University of Botswana

This course explores the place and role of Africa in world politics and unravels the structural position of Africa in the world economy and what this implies for African development. The course examines the mode of incorporation of Africa into the world economy, the formation of the African state system, the nature and character of the post-colonial state, and its role in development. The course emphasizes Africa's relations with the major powers both during and after the Cold War, and contemporary relations with Europe. Topics include the insertion of Africa into the world economy; the African debt crisis including issues of democratization and "good governance"; the evolution and trajectory of the African state system, especially the role of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) in conflict management and resolution; colonialism and its impact on African social formations; pan-Africanism and the struggle for independence; and post-colonial Africa.

The course introduces the research approaches used in both human and physical environment areas.  Students are introduced to basic types of research and are equipped to use research in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects. The course covers the initial stages of thinking theoretically about a research project, which covers both the human and physical environment approaches that are pertinent to environmental studies.  The course covers the basic knowledge of research as a scientific tool used to study social phenomena. Students are expected to have an understanding of basic principles of data collection, both quantitative & qualitative, and simple methods of data analysis as well as the importance of research design.

The course examines the complex and varied aspects of contemporary Africa, a continent consisting of over fifty states with different histories, colonial experiences, economies, values, and social structures by discussing a range of contemporary approaches used to analyze and theorize African politics and key contemporary issues. The course covers topics including colonial rule, legacies of colonialism on post-colonial African states, governance, political instability, and conflict in the horn of Africa. 

The course takes a multi-disciplinary approach to examining theory and conceptual frameworks in public health, epidemiology, and health care administration. Students gain an understanding of major social, behavioral, cultural, environmental, ethical, and regulatory factors that affect the health of local and global populations. Students shadow healthcare service providers in government-sponsored clinics as well as other public health-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to gain a better understanding of current health problems and hazards in Botswana. Students spend a week in rural Botswana observing in clinics for purposes of investigation, observation, and community education and to understand the difference between the health care delivery systems in urban and rural Botswana. Through observation and discussions with local healthcare professionals, a better understanding of current health problems and hazards in Botswana is developed. A final project is based in part upon the two field experiences.

This course examines the political economy of South Africa; how it evolved into a dominant player in the Southern African region, and a significant actor in world politics. Beginning with a historical account of the emergence of racism and its institutionalization through the creation of the apartheid state in 1948, the course proceeds to discuss the rise of African nationalism, the advent of liberation politics, and the mass democratic movement leading to the first all-race elections in 1994. The central feature of the course is to deepen the understanding of the post­-apartheid state in South Africa by discussing key topics such as nation-building in a racially divided society, a transition to a non-racial democratic society, democratization in a dominant party system, black economic empowerment, redistribution of wealth, and economic development. The course concludes with an examination of South Africa's role in SADC, AU, and BRICS.