AFS 366-000: Development Issues for Africa (Spring 2010)

Semester Details: Content:  The course is designed to provide students the opportunity to explore issues in economic development viewed from the perspective of Sub-Saharan Africa; a central theme is the search for the answer to the frequently asked question: " Is Africa being 'left behind'?"  Classes will be a mixture of the basics of economic development and discussion of contemporary issues as presented in the readings.  The context for both will be the similarities and diversities in the country experiences with economic, political and social change in Sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Botswana's record of growth to Nigeria's failure to improve human development despite its riches in oil and gas. The course is conducted in a seminar setting; accordingly, students will be expected to read the material listed in the syllabus, and, as needed, research specific topics in greater depth.  Audio/video materials drawn from African media and documentary films will supplement classroom discussions.  The instructor will provide practical examples from his thirty years of experience in the Foreign Service, which included tours in Mexico, India, and the United Nations and as ambassador to Zambia.  In addition he served ten years at The Carter Center as the first director of the Global Development Initiative and then as director of peace programs with an extensive portfolio of programs throughout Sub-Saharan Africa