121-494 Africa: Environment, Development, People

50 points of first/second year geography/anthropology/development studies or approval of the subject coordinator.

This subject introduces students to the physical environment, history, and development challenges facing contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. Students will examine in detail 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. Students will consider how Africa's problems are portrayed and understood 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; and 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.

Third year: Reports and essays totalling 4000 words comprising book reviews or reading assignments of 1000 words 20% (due mid-semester), an essay of 2000 words 50% (due end of semester) and a 1-hour written exam 30% (in the last week of teaching period). Fourth year: Reports and essays totalling 5000 words comprising book reviews or reading assignments of 1000 words 20% (due mid-semester), an essay of 2000 words 50% (due end of semester) and a 2-hour written exam 30% (in the last week of teaching period).