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African development – from the past to the present

Ellen Hillbom

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.

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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.

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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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
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

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Reviews summary

Insightful african development journey

According to learners, this course offers an excellent and insightful overview of African development, tracing its economic history from pre-colonial times to the present. Many highlight the instructor's expertise and engaging delivery, which makes complex topics accessible and even dense subjects fascinating. The course is described as well-structured and comprehensive for its length, providing a solid foundation for a nuanced understanding. While a few noted that some topics felt slightly rushed or generalized given the vast scope, it consistently provides a vital historical and economic context, proving highly relevant and practical for both professionals and general learners.
Covers vast period, occasionally forgoing depth for breadth.
"My only minor critique is that some topics felt slightly rushed, but overall, it was a valuable experience."
"While it covers a vast period, it sometimes felt like it just scratched the surface, but for an introduction, it's superb."
"While comprehensive, I would have liked more specific case studies or examples to illustrate some of the broader points."
"Some parts could benefit from a bit more depth, particularly the contemporary challenges section. But overall, it delivered on its promise of an overview."
"It's comprehensive for its length, though it understandably has to generalize at times."
Delivers vital context and practical, actionable insights.
"It's truly a must-take for anyone looking beyond superficial narratives about Africa."
"As someone working in international development, this course offered a vital historical and economic context I previously lacked."
"It's not just theory; it provides actionable insights by understanding historical patterns. Highly relevant and practical."
"The course design facilitates a progressive understanding of Africa's journey. It's a great starting point for anyone serious about understanding the continent's past and future."
"Highly beneficial for professionals and general learners alike."
Offers clear, structured, and comprehensive historical insights.
"A well-structured course with a balanced perspective on Africa's development challenges and opportunities."
"This course was exactly what I was looking for – a concise yet comprehensive dive into African economic history."
"This course offers an excellent overview. The content is well-researched and presented clearly."
"Extremely insightful and well-organized. The lectures were clear, and the accompanying materials... were very helpful."
"The structure was logical, making it easy to follow the complex historical narrative."
The lecturer is praised for their passion, expertise, and engaging teaching.
"The professor is amazing and the course content is rich."
"The lecturer presents complex issues in an engaging and accessible manner."
"The instructor's passion for the subject truly shone through, making even dense topics engaging."
"The lecturer's expertise and passion for the subject matter are evident."
"The instructor made the content engaging and thought-provoking."

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
Improve retention and understanding by keeping your materials organized.
Show steps
  • Gather and sort your notes, assignments, and other course materials.
  • Create a filing system or digital folder structure.
Follow a tutorial on economic development
Gain a deeper understanding of specific aspects of economic development.
Browse courses on Economic Development
Show steps
  • 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'
Gain historical context for Africa's current economic landscape.
Show steps
  • Borrow or purchase the book.
  • Read the book while taking notes.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a study group
Collaborate with peers to enhance understanding and critical thinking.
Show steps
  • 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
Reinforce your understanding of economic principles and their application to Africa.
Browse courses on Economic Development
Show steps
  • Identify a source of practice problems.
  • Solve the problems.
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Write a blog post
Summarize and reflect on the key concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • 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
Engage with experts and professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant workshop.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
  • Participate actively in discussions and exercises.
Volunteer with an organization focused on African development
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to solving development challenges.
Show steps
  • 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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Scientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Consultant
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager
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

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in African development – from the past to the present.
Cover image
Scramble for Africa...
Save
Provides a comprehensive historical account of the European colonization of Africa during the late 19th century, setting the stage for the political and economic developments discussed in the course.
The Scramble for Africa: White Man's Conquest of...
Paperback
$$
The Scramble for Africa: White Man's Conquest of...
Hardcover
$$
The Scramble for Africa 1876-1912 (Two Volume Boxed...
Hardcover
$$$$
By Thomas Pakenham The Scramble for Africa...
Paperback
$$$
(Deutsch) Scramble for Africa 1876-1912.
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Africa
Save
Offers a contemporary perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Africa today, complementing the course's coverage of recent developments and future prospects.
Africa
Paperback
Check
Africa
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Henry Harford's Zulu War Journal
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of African history, offering background information on the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods covered in the course.
Henry Harford's Zulu War Journal
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Light Manufacturing in Tanzania
Save
Offers a collection of essays by leading scholars on various aspects of the African economy, providing in-depth analysis of the topics discussed in the course.
Light Manufacturing in Tanzania: A Reform Agenda...
Paperback
$$
Light Manufacturing in Tanzania: A Reform Agenda...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Patrick van Rensburg
Save
Provides a more comprehensive historical account of Africa from the pre-colonial era to the present, offering additional context for the course's focus on economic development.
Patrick van Rensburg: Rebel, visionary and radical...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Navigating World History
Save
Provides a historical perspective on Africa's development, offering a deeper understanding of the long-term factors shaping the continent's economic trajectory.
Navigating World History
Paperback
Check
Navigating World History
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
History of Africa
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economic history of Africa, offering a deeper understanding of the long-term economic trends and patterns discussed in the course.
History of Africa
Paperback
Check
History of Africa
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Jay-Jay Okocha
Save
Offers a general overview of African history and culture, providing a broader context for understanding the economic development discussed in the course.
Jay-Jay Okocha
Paperback
Check
Jay-Jay Okocha
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The African Diaspora
Save
Provides a historical perspective on the African diaspora, offering insights into the cultural and economic connections between Africa and other regions of the world.
The African Diaspora
Paperback
Check
The African Diaspora
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Lund University
Instructor
Ellen Hillbom
Language
English
Transcripts
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Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
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
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