Economics 367 - Post Independence African Deve

Fall
2014
01
3.00
Mwangi Wa Githinji
TU TH 10:00AM 11:15AM
UMass Amherst
73284
This course provides the tools for understanding the evolution of African economies after independence and their current situation in the global economy. The course emphasizes the importance of the interactions between political institutions and economic systems in determining economic and social outcomes. The course will begin with a quick overview of pre-colonial and colonial Africa followed by a selection of topics on independent Africa. Students will lead a series of presentations of country case studies. The aims of this course are both to understand African economies and their trajectory specifically and more generally to build both students? ability to critically evaluate and respond to economic arguments that are a blend of both facts and ideology and a broader understanding of World and African history and socio economic stratification. Students will be expected to complete 9 written assignments ranging from 2 page response papers to a full 12 page research paper. Students will also participate in peer reviewing a colleague?s work. Satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-Econ majors.
Pre Req: ECON 103 or RESEC 102 May be used to fulfill IE requirement for Econ primary majors.
Students who do not meet the pre-requisites may seek permission of the instructor to enroll.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.