ASIEDU Isaac Yaw “Africa and the Global System”
Course information
| 1. Lecture Subject | Understanding International Issues |
|---|---|
| 2. Lecture Title | Africa and the Global System |
| 3. Number of Credits | 2 |
| 4. Eligible Years | Undergraduates |
| 5. Instructor | ASIEDU Isaac Yaw |
| 6. Term/Day/Period | Second Semester/ Wednesday/ 4th Period (14:40~16:10) |
| 7. Language of Instruction | English |
| 8. Class Outline, Objectives | This undergraduate course is designed to explore several cross-cutting themes and debates about Africa and its International Relations. The class provides both Japanese and International students with opportunities to learn about the African continent in the present dispensation through a combination of lectures, seminar discussions and workshop presentations on specific themes about Africa. Interactions among students will be promoted that will help modify students’ attitudes and stimulates positive thinking about Africa. There are group assignments as well as individual assignments. The course not only provides students with interdisciplinary knowledge of Africa, but also emphasizes the development of analytical reasoning and communication skills that are critical to the students' future success. The class is taught in English but can be supplemented by Japanese. |
| 9. Class Schedule | Students will engage in discussions about specific topics about Africa, work on group projects, and present their findings throughout this class. 1. Introduction & Overview about the class (content, assignments, etc.) and warm-up activities to organize students for subsequent class meetings. 2. Africa past & present - Colonial Legacies and Africa Today Readings: • Chapter 27 of Perspectives on Africa (pp 399-410) • Chapter 29 of Perspectives on Africa (pp 431-438) • Chapter 30 of Perspectives on Africa (pp 439-449) 3. The Global Economy and Africa's Regional Economic Integration. Relationship between Africa’s position in global society and the organization of external economic links. 4. Introductory case study and discussion about "The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)". Formation, major programs, and challenges. 5. Case study and discussion about ECOWAS in West Africa 6. Case Study and discussion 7. Group project 8. Mid-term presentation 9. Reflection and explanation about the final project 10. Theme setting / Project preparation 11. Group project discussions / Selection of African country of interest 12. Proposals / Country analysis 13. Project preparation 14. Final presentation 15. Reflection |
| 10. Evaluation/Assignments | • 2 Reports (Mid-term/Final) – 30 % of the final grade The report will focus on the case studies on the chosen African countries and the class lecture materials. Report must be typewritten and double-spaced (Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 points). • Seminar Preparation & presentation – 30% of the final grade This will be based on assigned readings with special attention to how they speak to major questions/debates expressing their ideas. Expectations are that students will participate actively and thoughtfully in discussions. Therefore, students should be well-prepared by reading the texts before class and be prepared to give a short account of and/or reaction to the readings. The seminar will start off with an update on current events on the continent, followed by team discussions. • Contribution to the workshop discussions – 20% Will be based on the critical thinking skills of the students and the level of understanding about the theme. • Quality of project – 20% The assessment will be based on compliance of what is expected to be achieved in the project. |
| 11. Textbooks | Perspectives on Africa by Roy Richard Grinker, Stephen C. Lubkemann and Christopher B. Steiner Wiley Blackwell 2010 ISBN 978-1-405-19060-2 |
| 12. Out of Class Study | Preparations for classes and group projects (about 2-2.5 hours per week) |
| 13. Notes on Enrolling | While I will provide some limited materials via online, it is up to you to be class in person to fully understand the materials covered. If you cannot attend class, I strongly encourage you to get the notes from a classmate. |
| 14. Syllabus URL | Africa and the Global System |
| 15. ICL Enrollment Limit | Maximum of 10 students |
| 16. Language Requirements | Japanese/English |
| 17. Frequency of Intercultural Collaborative Learning Activities | 30%～40% |
| 18. Other (Notes for ICL Enrollees) | It is an opportunity to learn about Africa and understand Africa's position in the global world. I'm looking forward to having an exciting learning with you. |