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African development – from the past to the present
  • Level Foundation
  • Course by Lund University
  • Offered by

About

African development – from the past to the present -- offers a unique economic history perspective on Africa's development. Over a period of five weeks, the course covers a logical account of historical events and decisions that have shaped the current political-economical landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa - from the pre-colonial and the colonial era, to the era of liberalisation, modern day Africa and the future prospects of the continent. One does not need to have a dedicated historical interest to benefit from the course. The course targets a broad range of professional groups, actors, organisations and curious individuals - all sharing a common interest in improving their understanding of the limitations and opportunities inherent in the Sub-Saharan African continent.

Modules

Introduction to the course

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Introduction to the course

1 Videos

  • Introduction to the course

1 Readings

  • Introductory readings

A theoretical approach to economic history

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • A theoretical approach to economic history

1 Videos

  • A theoretical approach to economic history

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: A theoretical approach to economic history

Literature – a historical review

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Literature – a historical review

1 Videos

  • Literature – a historical review

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: Literature – a historical review

Pre-colonial systems of production

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Pre-colonial systems of production

1 Videos

  • Pre-colonial systems of production

1 Readings

  • Pre-colonial systems of production

Political organisation and state formation

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Political organisation and state formation

1 Videos

  • Political organisation and state formation

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: Political organisation and state formation

Early international trade and its effects

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Early international trade and its effects

1 Videos

  • Early international trade and its effects

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: Early international trade and its effects

New commodities for international trade

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • New commodities for international trade

1 Videos

  • New commodities for international trade

1 Readings

  • New commodities for international trade

The scramble for Africa

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The scramble for Africa

1 Videos

  • The scramble for Africa

1 Readings

  • The scramble for Africa

Taxation and labour migration

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Taxation and labour migration

1 Videos

  • Taxation and labour migration

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: Taxation and labour migration

Colonial administration

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Colonial administration

1 Videos

  • Colonial administration

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: Colonial administration

The gate-keeping state

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • The gate-keeping state

1 Peer Review

  • Midterm mini-paper

1 Videos

  • The gate-keeping state

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: The gate-keeping state

Liberation and independence

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Liberation and independence

1 Videos

  • Liberation and independence

1 Readings

  • Liberation and independence

Mono-crop and mono-mineral economies

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Mono-crop and mono-mineral economies

1 Videos

  • Mono-crop and mono-mineral economies

1 Readings

  • Mono-crop and mono-mineral economies

Industrialisation strategies

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Industrialisation strategies

1 Videos

  • Industrialisation strategies

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: Industrialisation strategies

The road to economic collapse

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • The road to economic collapse

1 Videos

  • The road to economic collapse

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: The road to economic collapse

Structural Adjustment Programs and their repercussions

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Structural Adjustment Programs and their repercussions

1 Videos

  • Structural Adjustment Programs and their repercussions

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: Structural Adjustment Programs and their repercussions

African population growth

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • African population growth

1 Videos

  • African population growth

1 Readings

  • African population growth

African urbanization

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • African urbanization

1 Videos

  • African urbanization

1 Readings

  • African urbanization

Regional economic integration

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Regional economic integration

1 Videos

  • Regional economic integration

1 Readings

  • Regional economic integration

Is Africa rising?

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Is Africa rising?

1 Videos

  • Is Africa rising?

1 Readings

  • Is Africa rising?

Political development

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Political development

1 Videos

  • Political development

1 Readings

  • Political development

Africa in the global economy

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Africa in the global economy

1 Peer Review

  • Final mini-paper

1 Videos

  • Africa in the global economy

1 Readings

  • Optional additional read: Africa in the global economy

Epilogue

    • 1 Videos
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Epilogue

Auto Summary

Discover the economic history of Africa with "African Development – From the Past to the Present." This five-week Coursera course provides a comprehensive look at the historical events shaping Sub-Saharan Africa's political and economic landscape, from pre-colonial times to the present and future prospects. Ideal for professionals, organizations, and curious individuals, it requires no prior historical knowledge. Available through Starter and Professional subscriptions, this foundational course is perfect for those interested in understanding Africa's developmental challenges and opportunities.

Ellen Hillbom
Instructor

Ellen Hillbom