African development – from the past to the present -- offers a unique economic history perspective on Africa's development. Over a period of five weeks, the course covers a logical account of historical events and decisions that have shaped the current political-economical landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa - from the pre-colonial and the colonial era, to the era of liberalisation, modern day Africa and the future prospects of the continent.
African development – from the past to the present
African development – from the past to the present
Instructor: Ellen Hillbom
6,088 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.1
(49 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
27 hours to complete
3 weeks at 9 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Appreciate the historical poltical-economical conditions having shaped current day Sub-Saharan Africa.
A primer into approaching economical development from an economical-historical point of departure.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
22 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
In this introductory module I begin by speaking of my intentions when creating the course as well as the course structure and literature. Next, I explain the key theoretical concepts that I use throughout the course. Finally, I give an overview of how the literature on African history has evolved.
What's included
3 videos3 readings3 assignments
I spend limited time discussing Africa’s long history before colonization. Instead, I have chosen to focus the course on more recent events. Still, I aim to convey a basic understanding of the long-term development of economic systems, state formation, and trade networks.
What's included
3 videos3 readings3 assignments
European colonialism had a profound impact on Africa’s development, but the way it affected people’s lives differed between regions, societies, and groups of people. I this module, I problematize and specify the impact. I also discuss the agency of different European and African interest groups.
What's included
5 videos5 readings5 assignments1 peer review
After the end of World War II, African countries experienced both progress and crisis. This module covers the time from the early independence movements to the effects of the Structural Adjustment Programs. The central theme is the challenge of economic diversification and sectorial change.
What's included
5 videos5 readings5 assignments
Since the 1960s, there has been major socio-economic change in Africa. I organize this change thematically to discuss population growth, urbanization, and regional integration. I then move on to scrutinize the current positive economic and political development. I end with discussing Africa’s changing role in the global economy.
What's included
7 videos6 readings6 assignments1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (22 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Economics
Indian Institute for Human Settlements
Universiteit Leiden
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Utrecht University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.1
49 reviews
- 5 stars
58%
- 4 stars
22%
- 3 stars
6%
- 2 stars
2%
- 1 star
12%
Showing 3 of 49
MO
4
Reviewed on May 9, 2021
The course was very informative and it will be a very good source for anyone who wants to learn more about Africa.
JK
5
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2021
It was excellent course and great information to know about african history and boost knowledge.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.