African development – from the past to the present from Coursera

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.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

In this introductory module I begin by speaking of my intentions when creating the course as well as the course structure and literature. Next, I explain the key theoretical concepts that I use throughout the course. Finally, I give an overview of how the literature on African history has evolved.

The pre-colonial era

I spend limited time discussing Africa’s long history before colonization. Instead, I have chosen to focus the course on more recent events. Still, I aim to convey a basic understanding of the long-term development of economic systems, state formation, and trade networks.

The colonial era

European colonialism had a profound impact on Africa’s development, but the way it affected people’s lives differed between regions, societies, and groups of people. I this module, I problematize and specify the impact. I also discuss the agency of different European and African interest groups.

The independence era - booms and busts

After the end of World War II, African countries experienced both progress and crisis. This module covers the time from the early independence movements to the effects of the Structural Adjustment Programs. The central theme is the challenge of economic diversification and sectorial change.

Africa’s current challenges and opportunities

Since the 1960s, there has been major socio-economic change in Africa. I organize this change thematically to discuss population growth, urbanization, and regional integration. I then move on to scrutinize the current positive economic and political development. I end with discussing Africa’s changing role in the global economy.

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Designed for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of Africa's economic history, its challenges, and future prospects

Assumes prior knowledge of economic principles and African history

In-depth exploration of Africa's development, tracing its history from pre-colonial times to the present

Led by Ellen Hillbom, an expert in African economic history, providing valuable insights

Course is part of a series on African Development, offering a comprehensive study of the region's history and economics

Engages learners with a mix of readings, discussions, and videos, enhancing their understanding

Reviews summary

Africa: history and development

Learners say this well-received course is informative and engaging. While some learners mention the course material is difficult and time-consuming, others say the lectures are interesting and engaging.

Lectures are engaging and informative.

"The presentation is unspectacular, but that puts a better emphasis on understanding the contents covered - less dazzling viewing but more thinking."

Workload can be heavy for some.

"I felt that I learned a lot. It was well organized with the weekly outline. However, I do believe each week it was a lot of work with readings and multiple quizzes, especially while taking other courses."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in African development – from the past to the present with these activities:

Organize your course materials

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Improve retention and understanding by keeping your materials organized.

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Gather and sort your notes, assignments, and other course materials.
Create a filing system or digital folder structure.

Follow a tutorial on economic development

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Gain a deeper understanding of specific aspects of economic development.

Browse courses on Economic Development

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Search for a tutorial on a specific topic of interest.
Follow the steps in the tutorial.

Read 'Africa's Development: From the Past to the Present'

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Gain historical context for Africa's current economic landscape.

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Borrow or purchase the book.
Read the book while taking notes.

Five other activities

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Join a study group

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Collaborate with peers to enhance understanding and critical thinking.

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Find or form a study group with other course participants.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, share insights, and prepare for assessments.

Complete practice problems

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Reinforce your understanding of economic principles and their application to Africa.

Browse courses on Economic Development

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Identify a source of practice problems.
Solve the problems.
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Write a blog post

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Summarize and reflect on the key concepts covered in the course.

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Choose a topic related to the course.
Research the topic.
Write a blog post that is engaging and informative.
Share your blog post with others.

Attend a workshop on African development

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Engage with experts and professionals in the field.

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Identify a relevant workshop.
Register and attend the workshop.
Participate actively in discussions and exercises.

Volunteer with an organization focused on African development

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to solving development challenges.

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Identify an organization aligned with your interests.
Apply for a volunteer position.
Carry out your volunteer responsibilities.

Career center

Learners who complete African development – from the past to the present will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Economic Historian

Economic Historians study the history of economic systems and how they have evolved over time. Taking this course may be useful for an Economic Historian because it provides a detailed analysis of the economic development of Sub-Saharan Africa from the pre-colonial era to the present day.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economic Historian

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They use a variety of sources, including documents, artifacts, and oral histories, to reconstruct the past and understand how it has shaped the present. If you want to explore a career as a Historian, this course may be useful because it offers a unique economic history perspective on Africa's development, covering key events and decisions that have shaped the current political-economical landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Development Economist

Development Economists analyze the economies of developing countries and make recommendations for economic growth and poverty reduction. This course may be useful in this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of the economic history of Sub-Saharan Africa, including the challenges and opportunities that the continent faces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Economist

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They may specialize in a particular field, such as history, economics, or political science. If you want to become a Professor, this course may be useful because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is an important region for global studies.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and oversee the care and display of museum collections. They may also conduct research on the objects in their collections and develop educational programs for the public. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Museum Curators because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is a region with a rich cultural heritage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They may specialize in a particular area, such as politics, economics, or foreign affairs. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Journalists because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is an important region for global news coverage.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans and policies for the development and use of land in urban areas. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Urban Planners because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is a region that is experiencing rapid urbanization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Research Analyst

Research Analysts conduct research and analyze data to provide insights and recommendations to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area, such as market research, financial analysis, or data science. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Research Analysts because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is an important region for global business and investment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Policy Analysts because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is an important region for global policymaking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, such as news articles, marketing materials, and fiction. They may work for a variety of employers, such as newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Writers because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is an important region for global literature.

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Social Scientist

Social Scientists study human behavior and society. They use a variety of methods, including surveys, experiments, and observation, to research topics such as crime, poverty, and education. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Social Scientists because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is an important region for social research.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of subjects, such as math, science, and history. They may work in a variety of settings, such as public schools, private schools, and charter schools. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Teachers because it provides a deep understanding of the history and current state of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is an important region for global education.

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International Development Consultant

International Development Consultants provide advice and support to governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations working in developing countries. This course may be useful for those who want to work as International Development Consultants because it offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the historical context that has shaped the region's development.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services for nonprofit organizations. They may work in a variety of areas, such as education, healthcare, or social services. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Nonprofit Program Managers because it provides a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the historical context that has shaped the region's development.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They examine the cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. Studying African development from the past to the present may be useful for an Anthropologist because it provides a deep understanding of the historical, social, and economic factors that have shaped African societies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist