Geopolitics of Sub-Saharan Africa

In this course students will be introduced to geographies of Sub-Saharan Africa, a vast region containing dozens of states and extraordinary ecological, cultural, and political diversity. Students will learn about the basic physical and human geography of Africa and discover the historical and contemporary political geography of Sub-Saharan Africa. Following a regional orientation, we will compare and contrast case studies to explore key themes: 1) Borders, territories, and populations; 2) Land and identity; 3) Resource politics; 4) Aid, trade, and development; and 5) Cities and power. Drawing these themes together, we will conclude with a group exercise simulating negotiation over natural resources in East Africa. 3 hrs, lect.