121-312 Africa: Continent in Crisis

100 points of first/second year geography including 121-110 and 121-017 or equivalent as approved by the subject coordinator.

This subject introduced students to the physical environment, history, and development challenges facing contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. It examines in detail the intellectual and ethical debates surrounding the strategies undertaken by postcolonial African states and the overseas development "industry." to tackle poverty, environmental change, and the colonial legacy. Throughout the subject, we consider how Africa's problems are portrayed and understood (often wrongly) by the rest of the world. Topics include: the physical environment and competing understandings of environmental change: the history and governance of the continent: regional case studies (West Africa); gender and the environment: agrarian transformations and rural livelihoods; development projects and rise of the NGO; military conflict and mineral wealth; hunger, famine, and the controversies of the relief industry; urban geographies.

• be able to conduct independent research for essay preparation using a variety of media.

• be able to exercise of critical judgement in written assignments and group discussion.

Individual reports and essays totalling 5000 words comprising book reviews or reading assignments of 1000 words 20% (due mid-semester), an essay of 2000 words 40% (due in week 9) and a 2-hour written exam 40% (in the last week of teaching period).

• R Stock, Africa South of the Sahara: a geographical interpretation. Guilford Press 2004.
• W G Moseley (ed), Taking Sides: clashing views on controversial African issues. McGraw Hill 2004.