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IR3020: CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES TO AFRICAN SECURITY (2020-2021)

Last modified: 30 Jul 2020 13:10


Course Overview

This course introduces students to contemporary challenges to African security from societal, political, economic and environmental security sectors. As a result, students are introduced to the African state as a security actor and referent, leading approaches to African security and an overview of African security literature.  

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Manu Lekunze

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Africa is often described as the theatre of global power competition. While Africa may always not be a power on the global stage, Africa provides the avenue for the display of global power competition. This was seen in the ‘scramble for Africa’ at the end of the 19th Century and super power competition during the Cold War. The recent rise in China’s involvement in Africa is also indicative of contemporary dynamics in the international system. Often what happens in Africa is a symptom of the state of the international system. Contemporary Africa is beset by several security challenges which need to be continuously explored. Conflicts over resources, rebellions against governments, violent identity politics, terrorism and environmental conflicts continue to challenge national security in Africa. This course explores these themes to equip students with the ability to understand, analyse and propose possible interventions.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Video Presentation - 30%

Policy Brief - 30%

Essay (3000 Words) - 40%

Alternative Resit Arrangements

Essay - 100%

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the role of the African state as a security actor and referent.
ProceduralApplyApply knowledge gained from the Course to articulate ‘SMART’ interventions to contemporary challenges to African security.
ProceduralAnalyseDiscuss a specific case study of a contemporary challenge to African Security.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand several contemporary challenges to African security from several security sectors.
ReflectionEvaluateBe familiar with approaches to and literature on African Security Studies.

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