DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO
NIGERIA
POL. 8406 POLITICAL ECONOMY OF AFRICA
SUB-THEME: POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPMENT: AFRICAN
PERSPECTIVE
2015/2016
INSTRUCTOR
M. M. YUSIF
http:www.yusuf.blogspot.com
INTRODUCTION
This
is the teaching programme of the course Political Economy of Africa, which is
part of the Masters Degree Training of the Department of Political Science,
Bayero University, Kano – Nigeria during 2015/2016 Academic year. The course is
taught during the first semester.
The
objective of the course is to expose students for a research work which centres
on Political Economy of development. Emerging knowledge and research in the
field of development is increasingly engaged with questions from varieties of
Political Economy.
Political
Economy is used as a method. As there are many perspectives of Political
economy and that some of these are multidisciplinary it has become how social
scientists could generate useful knowledge.
It
is expected that the course will be covered in fifteen (15) weeks. Weekly
meetings of three hours each will be divided into three track display of ideas.
First is 30 minutes of talk by the course instructor-followed by two working
sessions on review of relevant texts and discussion of a specific research
work. There are going to be working groups discussion.
The
texts selected for reading are meant to give theoretical and methodological
guide as well as African perspectives on Political Economy of development.
There are many other materials as literature which have covered the themes on
Asian and or Latin American continent. Online sources are relevant. Become
independent researcher and learner now!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The
meanings of Political Economy have changed over time such that is only within a
context a researcher could make a conceptualisation of the term. Nevertheless
both the old and the new tradition of the science contain a complex merger of
political, social, economic, cultural, historical and institutional principles
in the changes and transformation of human society.
Thus,
political economy is a method. It can throw light through different
perspectives to examine unequal geographies of development in Africa.
The
various meanings of the term development would be treated and what sense the transnationalisation
of capitalism has created for development of Africa. What is the effect on the
role of state? Why Africa remains the poorer of the continents from the Third
World?
The
course draws from theoretical discussion on development from the fields of
Political Economy, history and development studies.
The
teaching programme is divided into eight parts of a single process of
development of knowledge. The first part deals with theoretical and
philosophical questions on theory and method in production and circulation of
knowledge. The second examines the major terms we are going to deal with. This
will include the meanings, arguments and controversies around political economy
and development. The third part looks at some of the most important theoretical
ideas and intellectual traditions which seek to explain development. In this
context capitalist development. The fourth part treats development impasse in
Africa and bring out new directions both in development theory and practice.
Part five will raise both in theory (the controversy) and practice about
underdevelopment in Africa. Part six is about neo-liberalism and development.
The seventh part will analyse regional context and differences of
socio-economic development and change in theory and history through case
studies from colonial to contemporary Africa. The last i.e. part eight is to
give theoretical conclusion.
COURSE SYLLABUS
1-
INTRODUCTION:
Introducing
the course and what it is about; course requirements; methods and guide for
learning and research by students of political science; political science and
political economy – dynamics of their relations and change;
Reading
a- Stephen
V.F. Guide to Methods for students in Political science. Online
b- Margaret
Stacey (1977). Methods of Social Sciences Research
c- Introduction
to political science research method
d- Mauro
C. and Rosanna D. “E-Research: An introduction to Online Political Science for
Beginners and Skeptics”. IPSR Vol. 28 No.2
Dispute
on: Political Science derives its method
from other social science disciplines. How and why?
In
place of First Week Discussion: Each student is
allowed ten minutes to make a review with observation of any outstanding text
on development. This will be presented now.
2-
THEORY
AND METHOD: A path to critical knowledge
Reading
a- Trevor
Bernes (2006). “Between Deduction and Dialectics: David Harvey on knowledge”.
b- Erik
O.W. (1978). Class, Crisis and the State. Chapter 1
For Discussion
-
Scientific approach to
knowledge is not a fixed way to understand social phenomena. Discuss
-
The Unity of Theory and
practice strengthens the quality of scientific knowledge. How and why?
-
Make a review of Trevor
and Erik as above.
3-
THEORY
AND METHOD IN THE STUDY OF POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPMENT
Reading
a- Jan-Erik
L. and Svante E. (1990). Comparative Political Economy: A Development Approach
pgs 1-12
b- Ernest
Mandel (1962). Marxist Economic Theory. Chapter 18
c- Caparaso
and Levine (1994). Theories of Political Economy.
d- Bruno
S. Frey (1978). Modern Political Economy.
e- Yolamu
Barongo (ed.) (1983). Political Science in Africa: A Critical Review. Chapters
16 and 17.
f- John
Galtung (1994). “Ten Theses on Development Theory, practice and methodology.
For Discussion
-
Examine the relevance
or otherwise of empirical research as distinct from theoretical in political
economy of development studies.
-
What is theory? Bring
out by precise statements the ten thesis on Development by John Galtung and
their methodological explanations
4-
CONCEPTUALISING
POLITICAL ECONOMY OF AFRICA: DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES
Reading
a- J.R.
Barongo (1980). “Understanding African Politics: The Political Economy
Approach” NJPS Vol.2 No.2
b- Yusufu
B.U. (1983). “Karl Marx and the Analysis of the Politics of Contemporary
Africa” Conference paper.
c- Bade
O. (N.D.). “Marx Africa and the World System”. Conference paper
d- B.S.
Swai (1982): Observations regarding some recent trends in African histography”.
e- B.S.
Swai (N.D.). “Marx, Marxism and the Third World”.
f- G.W.
Lartey (1981). “The Poverty of African Marxism: A critique of interpretations
of Marx and the Application of Marxian Analysis to Africa”.
g- Claude
Ake, “The Political Economy Approach: Explanatory notes of Marxian Legacy in
Africa”
h- Claude
Ake (1978). A Political Economy of Africa.
i- Samir
Amin (1972). “Underdevelopment and Dependence in Black Africa-Origins and
Contemporary forms.
j- Toyin
Falola (2009). “Writing and Teaching national History in Africa in an Era of
Global History”
k- Archie
Mafeji (1978). “Science, Ideology and Development Theory.
l- Shankar
N.A. (1981). “Perspectives and Problems of Development in Sub-Saharan Africa”.
World Development Vol. 9 No.2
For Discussion
-
As a methodology
political economy is still in the process of formation. How does this affect
political economy of development in Africa?
-
Marxian theory is less
vibrant politico-economic idea in analysis of human society today. Is it still
relevant to explain the failure and or success of development in Africa?
-
Imperialism is both
political and economic. Use a model of political and economic interactions by
Bruno S. Frey to characterise imperialism domination in any African setting.
5-
DEVELOPMENT:
WHAT MEANINGS; VIEWS; AND ARGUMENTS ON THE CONCEPT
Reading
a- Eskor
Toyo (1983). “Non-Ethnocentric Flows in Competing Non-Marxist paradigms of
Developments”. In Barongo Y. (ed.). Political Science in Africa: A Critical
Review
b- Robert
Gist (1999).The History of Development: from Western Origin to Global Faith
c- Jan-Erik
lane and Suante Ersson (1993). Comparative Political Economy: A Development
Approach. Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
d- Anne
Phillips. “The Concept of Development: ROAPE No. 8
e- A.G.
Frank (1970). op.cit
For Discussion
-
The Meanings of
development from Non-Marxist Social Sciences is occupied by confusion, such
that there would never be alternative within the same framework.
-
The concept of
development is development of capitalism. Comment.
-
Bring out the arguments
of modernists and post-modernists on the concept of development.
-
Distinguish the views
of Eskor Toyo, Mydal G. And Todoro on the role of economics on overall
development of human society.
6-
CLASSICAL
AND NEO-CLASSICAL PERSPECTIVES ON DEVELOPMENT
Reading
1- Jan-Erik
and Svante E. op.cit. Chapter 6
2- Caparaso
and Levine, theories of Political Economy. Chapter 2 and 3.
3- Erik
S. Reinert. How Rich Countries Got Rich and Why Poor Countries Stay Poor.
Chapter One and all the Appendices.
Discussion
Questions
1. Distinguish
Classical and Neo-classical path to economic development.
2. Both
Adam Smith and Friedrich List called for development based upon private
property rights. Show their differences in going through this direction.
7-
MARXIAN
THEORY AND DEVELOPMENT
Reading
1. Karl
Marx and Fredrik Engles, “Manifesto of the communist party” in selected works.
Vol. 1.
2. Karl
Marx, “Wage Labour and Capital”. Selected works. Vol. 1.
3. Karl
Marx, “The Future Results of British Rule in India”. Selected works
op.cit
Discussion Questions
1. The
ideas in the text titled “Manifesto of Communist Party” by Marx and Engels is a
theory of development. State the theory and reformulate it to address and
explain the current African reality of development.
2. Wages
relationship society is the modern society but a more modern and developed is
most needed. Discuss.
8-
IMPERIALISM,
DEVELOPMENT AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT
Reading
1. Anthony
Brewer, Marxist Theories of Imperialism: A Critical Survey.
2. Bill
Warren, Imperialism: Pioneer of Capitalism.
3. Henrik
S. Marcussen, Internationalisation of capital: A re-examination of dependency
theory.
4. Bob
Sutcliffe, “Industry and Underdevelopment Re-examined”. The journal of
Development Studies Vol. 21.
5. Alain
Lipietz. “How Monetarism has chocked Third World Industrialisation”. New
Left Review No. 145.
6. Roger
Owen and Sutcliffe (eds.) Studies in the theory of Imperialism.
Chapters 1 and 2.
Discussion Questions
1. Bring
out the Arguments of Karl Marx, Lenin and Bill Warren on “Capitalism is
progressive”.
2. Industrialisation
in some African countries does not bring overall development of human society.
Why?
3. Compare
the arguments of Samir Amin, Gunder frank, Paul Baran, Emmanuel Arghri and
Wallerstein on Dependency and underdevelopment.
9-
GLOBALISATION,
DEVELOPMENT AND POST-MODERNISM
Reading
1. Bob
Sutcliffe, “The Place of Development in Theories of Imperialism and
globalisation”.
2. Adebayo
Olukoshi, “Globalisation, Equity and Development”. Some reflections on African
Experience.
3. Joseph
Stilitz, Making Globalisation Work. Chapter 2.
4. Togba
N. T. “Globalisation and Development”. In D.W. Nabudere (ed.) Globalisation and
Post-colonial African States.
5. Deepak
N. “Development through Globalisation”. A Research Paper.
6. CARTSS,
Globalisation and Modernity: Central Questions.
7. Martin
Khor, “Globalisation: Implications for Development Policy.
8. Matthe
M. T. “Development Economics in the Wake of the Eashington Consensus: From
Smith to Smithscreen”. IPSA Vol. 29 No. 5.
9. Akindele
S. T. “Globalisation, its Implications and Consequences for Africa-conference
paper.
10.
Robert Rist, op. cit.
Chapter 12
Discussion Questions
1. Development
theory in Africa’s development strategy today is a return to the liberal
position but in a predatory style.
2. Globalisation
is Modernisation. Do you agree?
10-
DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIES: FROM MODERNISATION TO NEO-LIBERALISM
Reading
1. Anyang
Nyongo, “Liberal models of capitalist Development in Africa”. Africa
Development Vol. 3 No. 2 (1978).
2. Clive
Y. Thomas, Dependancy and Transformation. The economics of the Transition to
socialism.
3. Ray
bush and Morris Szeftel (1995). “Commentary: Taking Leave of the Twentieth
Century”. ROAPE No. 65
4. Lionel
Cliffe and David Seddon (1981) “Africa in a New World Order”. ROAPE No. 50
5. Frans
J. Schuurman (1993). Beyond the Impasse: New Directions in Development Theory.
6. John
rapley, “new Directions in the Political Economy of Development”. ROAPE
No. 62
7. Cheryl
payer (1982). The World Bank: A Critical Analysis. MRP
8. Mai
Palmberg (1978). Problems of Socialist Orientation in Africa. Uppsala.
Discussion Questions
1. The
problems against capitalist form of development in Africa were also the
problems against socialist orientation in Africa. Discuss.
2. In
development thinking for Africa, the 20th century was a Golden era
but also of crisis.
3. It
is a paradox that Neo-liberal model of development in Africa is sharply in
contrast from the earlier liberal models.
11-
BEYOND
NEO-LIBERALISM IN AFRICA
Reading
1. Kidone
M. and Logen B. (eds.) (1995) beyond Economic Liberalisation in Africa.
2. Charles
Gore (2000). The Rise and Fall of the Washington Consensus as a paradihm for
Developing Countries” World Development Vol. 28 No. 5
3. Nansjorg
H. and Jan Prieve (2005) “Beyond the Washington Consensus: Macro0Economic
Politics for Development IPS No. 2.
4. Elma
Alvator. “Post-Neo-Liberalism or Post Capitalism? The failure of Neo-Liberalism
in the Financial market Crisis”.
5. Padraing
C. “Constructing Alternative to Structural Adjustment Programme in Africa”.
ROAPE No. 78.
Discussion Questions
1. What
will development be after Neo-Liberal era in Africa?
2. Examine
what and how global forces introduce market system in Africa and entrench it to
become a wider totality of Economic development strategy in the continent.
12-
DEMOCRACY
AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
Reading
1. Kidone
M. and Logan B. (eds.) op.cit. chapters 2 and 9
2. Alan
Hunt (ed.). Marxism and Democracy Humanities Press, London. Introduction.
3. William
Z. “Sub-Saharan Africa: Implosion or Take-off”
4. Omono
E. “A Democratic Development State in Africa? A Concept Paper.
5. Ake
C. (2000), Democracy and Development in Africa. Spectrum Books.
6. Dietrich
Rueschemeyer and others (1992). Capitalist Development and Democracy
7. Arthur
M. Neo-Liberalism or Democracy? Economic Strategy, Markets and Alternatives for
the 21st Century. Chapter 2.
8. John
M. “Capitalism, Imperialism and Development: A Marxist Discussion.
Discussion
1. Assess
the contribution of Rueschemeya on the relationship between capitalist
development and democracy.
2. From
Neo-liberal theory democracy and market are two sides of the same coin. Can the
two together bring development? What development?
3. What
of democratizing Neo-liberal globalization to make it bring development? What
development? To whom?
13-
REGIONAL
INTEGRATION: AN ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR AFRICA?
Reading
1. Arok
Ajulu, “Thabo Mbeki African Renaissance in a globalizing World Economy. The
struggle for the soul of the continent”. ROAPE No. 87.
2. Lawrence
O.C. “Regional Economic Integration: A Development paradigm for Africa”. In
Bade Onimode and others, African Development and Governance Strategies.
3. S.K.B.
Asante (1991). African Development: Adebayo Adedeji’s Alternative Strategies.
4. Ann
Seidman and Fredrick Anang (eds.). Towards a New Vision of Self-Sustainable
Development.
Discussion Questions
1. In
view of the achievement and or failure of regional organisaions in Africa
examine Thabo Mbeki;s concept of Regional Integration as the solution of
development problems in Africa.
2. Regionalism
is an obstacle to globalization. Could you say that regionalism is capable of
reversing the development risks of the globalising World
14-
REGIONAL
STUDIES
The
purpose of this section is a comparative study of either regional groups or
individual countries across the regions, considering changes and continuity in
the development of the structure of the economy from colonial era to the
post-colonial, late post-colonial and presently post-colonial era.
General
divisions of the colonial and immediate post-colonial economics could be made:
-
1. Predominantly
small – peasant production e.g West African countries.
2. Plantation
system e.g. Belgian Congo, Kenya, South Africa.
3. Settler
economy: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola.
Our
attention could be to ask what legacies colonial systems generated for later
history of these countries in post-independent era. Is there any relationship
between the colonial structure and the post-independence development? What does
globalisation create for prospects and problems of development thinking and
practice in Africa countries.
These
and other questions would be examined in attempt to make comparative studies of
regions and countries in Africa.
15-
THEORETICAL
CONCLUSION: IS AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT STILL DEPENDENT AND UNDERDEVELOPED?
Reading
1. Mark
T. Berger, “The End of the Third World”? Third World Quartely Vol. 15,
No. 2, 1994.
2. A.G.
Frank (1981). Reflections on the World Economic Crisis. Chapter 184.
3. Vicky
Randal and Robin Theobald: Political Change and Underdevelopment.
4. Ha
Joon, “Globalization, Transnational Corporations, and Economic Development: Can
the Developing Countries Pursue Strategic Industrial Policy in a Globalising
World Economy”. In Dean Baker and Others (eds.) Globalization and Progressive
Economic Policy.
5. Yolamu
Barongo (ed.) Chapter 14.
16-
CONCLUSION:
CLOSING UP; DISCUSSION OF CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE; CRITICISM-SELF CRITICISM
Joint
Reading
1. Keith
Griffin, Alternative Strategies for Economic Development. Chapter 1, 2, and 5.
2. Bangura
Yusuf, “Globalisation and African Development”. Conference Paper.
3. Yash
Tandon, Globalisation and the South: The Logic of Exploitation
4. Irogba
K. “Globalisation and the Development of the Third World”. Journal of the Third
World Studies, 2005.
5. Emmanuel
C.O. and Agatha E. “Globalization and Economic Development: The Nigerian
Experience”.
6. A.G.
Frank (1970), “Economic Politics or Political Economy
7. Adebayo
Adedeji (1996), South Africa and Africa: Within or Apart? Chapters 4, 6, 7, and
8.
8. Samir
Amin, “Africa: Living on the Fringe”.
9. Samir
Amin, “Underdevelopment and Dependence in Black Africa: Origins and Contemporary
Forms”. Journal of Modern Africa Studies Vol. 10 (1979).
10. Michael
Watts, “Empire-of-Oil-Capitalist Dispossession-and-the-Scramble-for-Africa”.
New Left Review.
11. Brenner,
“The Origins of Capitalist Development: A Critique of Neo-Smithian Marxism.
12. Jonathan
Schiffer, “The Changing Post-War Pattern of Development: The Accumulated Wisdom
of Samir Amir”. World Development Vol. 9, No. 6. (1981).
13. Archie
Mafeji, Science, Ideology and Development.
14. Bjorn
Beckman (1983) Marxism and Underdevelopment: A Critique of Ake.
15. Todd
J. Moss (2007). African Development: Making Sense of the Issues and Actors.
16. Nnoli,
O. (1993), Dead-End To Nigerian Development: An Investigation on the Social
Economic and Political Crisis in Nigeria. Codesria.
17. Nnoli
O. (ed.). Path to Nigerian Development. Codesria.
18. Gills
and Others (1996). Economics of Development.
Requirements
ü The
teaching of the course is by seminar presentation.
ü There
will be weekly reading and discussion of some relevant texts during each
contact period.
ü Students
are expected to read all assigned texts, attend all classes and participate in
discussions.
ü In
the discussions we will be analyzing the arguments, thoughts and ideas of
others, with a view to reformulate them to develop our own ideas.
ü If
you are not going to attend any class tell me before the time. However, when
you return you must submit work for that week.
ü Recommended
texts that are underlined are required readings to be reviewed by students for
class discussion.
ü Those
marked with star under the additional reading are also important
ü Questions
that are raised at the end of each topic are guide for study by students. They
are also for discussion.
ü Assessment
of students is based on end of semester Examination (60%) and Continuous
Assessment (40%)
ü The
CA grades:
a) Class-work/Participation/Attendance - 20%
b) Course
Research Paper - 10%
c) Literature
review on any relevant topic - 05%
d) Working
Group Discussion on any relevant topic - 05%
ü In
order to purity learning and research I have to take strict disciplinary action
against any student who is found on plagiarism. So, you must not copy or
paraphrase some one’s ideas, arguments and work and present it as your own.
Don’t come across idea of one writer in another text by another writer and
claim you got it from the original text. Finally, all texts consulted should be
properly acknowledged. These are elements of integrity of a scholar.
