Section outline

  • The course builds on key theoretical subjects dealing with development and globalization and it is focused on already known issues in a narrower regional perspective. It gives a general introduction to the African continent and its contemporary problems, it is focused on the historical and political evolution and an analysis of its societies and diversity. This course will introduce the students to the history, politics and society of Africa since independence. It thus offers an interdisciplinary look at various themes of African politics and society including issues of democratization, dictatorship, socialism, capitalism, international trade, health care, education, etc. Among the key topics discussed within the course will be the following:

    - Africa v the era of decolonization, specific problems and issues of African independence
    - Separatist tendencies, federations, chieftainship, traditional and modern systems of governance in Africa
    - Socialism/capitalism in Africa, Cold War context, military dictatorial rule
    - Revolts, guerillas, reformist and revolutionary movements, civil wars in 1980s
    - Economic problems of Africa, HIV/AIDS, civil society
    - Democratization tendencies of the 1990s
    - Multiethnic states, political transformations, citizenship, economic progress in the 21st century


    Students will be obliged to present a paper based on their research, write a long essay and a few short written assignments, a midterm exam and final exam.

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    • Course annotation Page

      The course builds on key theoretical subjects dealing with development and globalization and it is focused on already known issues in a narrower regional perspective. It gives a general introduction to the African continent and its contemporary problems, it is focused on the historical and political evolution and an analysis of its societies and diversity. This course will introduce the students to the history, politics and society of Africa since independence. It thus offers an interdisciplinary look at various themes of African politics and society including issues of democratization, dictatorship, socialism, capitalism, international trade, health care, education, etc.

    • Aim of the course Page

      Aim of the course is to present Africa's social, political, economic, and cultural development to the students who will be able to:

      - to explain historical development of the region in post-colonial era
      - to identify and characterize important soci-political and economical problems in contemporary African societies
      - to identify and explain specific social and political trends in the region
      - to differentiate various causes of specific problems and also consequences

      In order to successfully pass the course, students will be required to write an essay, short assignments, midterm exam, present a paper, and pass the final exam. 



    • Instructor Page

      Jan Záhořík

      Jan Záhořík is an Africanist/social scientist specialized in the history and politics of the Horn of Africa. He is an associate professor of modern history, and his research focus includes modern and contemporary history and politics of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa; relations between former Czechoslovakia and Africa; mobility and migration; European-African relations; Cold War in Africa; conflicts in Africa; socio-economic development in Africa (with particular focus on Ethiopia and East Africa); terrorism and security.

      Since 2006 Jan Záhořík has conducted research during multiple stays (50 in total) in Ethiopia ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months; minor research or academic stays include Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Morocco.

    • Long essay Page

      Students are required to write a long essay (10 pages, 1,5-spacing excluding cover page and references) based on a topic discussed with the instructor the first week of the semester. The deadline is the last class of the semester. The list of essay out of which the students will select their topics will be made available by the instructor the first week of the semester. 

    • Final Exam Page

      Final Exam will be composed of materials covering the whole semester (lectures, readings, and related issues), the exact format of the exam will be announced two weeks before the exam date.