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Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-23)

Topic

South African Politics

Instructors

Eddine Nabil Bouyahi

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 106: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Special Topics in Political Science: South African Politics
Poli Sci 390-0-23

How to understand the current South African political situation? What are its historical and socio-political underpinnings? In this course we will study the specificities of the history and political system of the main African economic and political powerhouse to better understand where it stands today. Starting from a brief overview of South African early colonial history, we will attentively consider the formation, functioning and end of the Apartheid state in its local and global historical context. As such, we will spend time studying the South African democratic transition and decolonization. We will eventually study the post-Apartheid political period, the transformation it brought to the South African political system and social structures, but also the shortcomings, contradictions and challenges the country faces today.

This course is intended for advanced undergraduate students that are interested in acquiring detailed knowledge about one of the major actors of the African continent and a rising power of 21st century global politics. Students are expected to participate in collective activities and presentations, to take one exam, to write reflective notes on the weekly readings and to write a coherent and well written research paper focused on contemporary South African politics.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:


  • Understand the main drivers of South African historical and political trajectory to this day and the complexities of its current political situation.

  • Exercise their capacity for working collectively on specific projects and presentations.

  • Demonstrate their capacity for critical analysis and writing through the critical and reflective analysis of class material.

  • Build skills in organizing and structuring their thoughts in a logical and clear manner.

  • Develop their writing and research skills through the writing of an original research paper, from the formulation of the research question to the submission of a well-written, coherent, and structured text.

Evaluation Method

Students are expected to participate in collective activities and presentations, to take one exam, to write reflective notes on the weekly readings and to write a coherent and well written research paper focused on contemporary South African politics.

Class Materials (Required)

None. All the readings for the class will be available online