Renata Serra
Center for African Studies
Africa in the Global Political Economy / African Economic Development
I intend to establish more firmly two new undergraduate courses for the Center for African Studies, titled, respectively, “ Africa in the global political economy” and “African economic development”, pilot versions of which I have taught during the present academic year. The former (to be taught in fall 2006) will provide a critical assessment of the African continent position internationally, and of the challenges, as well as the opportunities, to African countries from current global economic and political phenomena. The second course, “African economic development” (to be taught in spring 2007) deals with the most pressing issues facing Sub-Saharan African countries in their quest for socio-economic development, improvement of people’s living standards, and reduction of poverty and inequality. There is already an agreement for cross-listing both courses with the Economics department, and the potential to cross-list with other departments as well in the future.
I intend to use the awards in order to develop a rich, varied and engaging study material, which contains relevant case studies, examples of both success and failure, and themes for student projects. The award would fund two summer trips, one to Washington D.C. and the other to Paris, where I plan to meet relevant people at international organizations, research institutes, and both governmental and non-governmental bodies, so to acquire first-hand information on on-going projects, as well as access to documentation and “inside opinions”. The award would also provide funds to hire a student, who will assist with the search for, and preparation of, the course material.