Capitalism, Socialism and Labor: The Political Economy of 20th Century Africa

3 units

This course surveys the integration of African individuals and communities into the global economy. We will, however, pay equal attention to their efforts to resist integration, or at least have a greater say in how it would take place. This social history of the political economy of sub-Saharan Africa in the long 20th century critiques theories of imperialism, capitalism, socialism, development and under-development from the perspective of ordinary people. The essay-based course work is focused on making original arguments using primary historical sources as evidence.