Postcolonial African history is one of triumph and tragedy. End of European colonialism marked a watershed moment for the right to self-determination of African peoples. The jubilation of the 1960s were, however, quickly overtaken by natural and man-made challenges; and internal and external shocks delayed the dividends of decolonization and dampened the excitement about independence. This course is a critical reflection on the high- and low-water marks of African history since the end of European colonial rule.
Readings and seminars are designed to do an in-depth analysis of the legal basis and various processes of decolonization and the challenges and opportunities of independence, including demographic boom, the war on terror, natural resources, and the environment.
