Programme overview

The module would offer historical, theoretical and comparative perspectives on the politics of eastern Africa (and in particular Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda). The course will seek to address some of the ‘big questions’ regarding the nature of the post-colonial state in the region, the relationship between state and society, the political and socio-economic impact of international aid/interventions, the causes and level of democratisation, and political economy of crises such as famine and AIDS. Students should acquire an overview of key themes, but also be able to analyse debates with respect to individual country case studies.

Module aims

The module aims to offer students theoretical, empirical and comparative perspectives on politics in Eastern Africa.

Module objectives

• Understand and apply different theories to the East African context.
• Develop your reading comprehension through an engagement with core texts
• Develop an argument using a range of sources, including secondary literature, newspaper articles, and government and non-government reports
• Develop your academic writing skills through the preparation of summative assessments
• Develop an ability to write analytically for a non-academic audience through the writing of an opinion piece or blog
• Develop your group working skills through seminar discussions