Suspended in 2025/26
EH211 One Unit
Africa and the World Economy, 1500-2000
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Leigh Gardner
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Economic History, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Economics and Economic History, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is freely available to General Course students. It does not require permission.
Course content
This course examines the economic history of Africa from the medieval period to the present. Its overall aim is to situate Africa within global economic history, illustrating how Africa and Africans contributed to global economic change as well as exploring the impact of those changes on African economies. Lectures provide a chronological introduction to significant periods in African economic history, from the trans-Saharan trade through the slave trade, colonial rule, and independence. The course ends by considering the significance of recent economic expansions and population growth. While lectures and classes focus on broader themes, assessed work includes a case study research project allowing students to learn about the diversity of experience around the continent.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Winter Term.
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.
Formative assessment
Students should expect to complete two formative assignments per term. This will include one essay or equivalent plus an assignment related to the summative case study project. Students will need to have the selection of their case study approved by the course convener by the end of AT, and prepare an outline and reading list by the middle of WT.
Indicative reading
For a general overview of African history over the period, see R.J. Reid, A History of Modern Africa (2009); J. Iliffe, Africans: The History of a Continent (1995). For accessible introductions to a variety of themes in African economic history, see the African Economic History Network’s online textbook, The History of African Development.
Assessment
Exam (70%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Project (30%, 3000 words)
The research project will involve a case study (3000 words) of an African country, focused on one of the themes/questions addressed in the course.
Key facts
Department: Economic History
Course Study Period: Autumn and Winter Term
Unit value: One unit
FHEQ Level: Level 5
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 18
Average class size 2024/25: 9
Capped 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills