This course introduces students to the inter-relationship between politics and socio-economic development in Africa. It examines both how political factors influence poverty, inequality, and economic growth, and how socio-economic factors—in turn—shape the political trajectories of African nations. It explores the following 'big' questions: What does development mean? Why are some countries poor, repressive, and violent? How does globalisation influence development in Africa? How do historical institutions influence development in Africa? To what extent does democracy, urbanisation, and corruption influence development in African, and vice versa? To what extent does foreign aid and humanitarianism promote development in Africa, and what role should it play in the future?