EULER Credit and Workload
SD-450: Africa’s Economic Development. Credit value in EULER programs: Master in International Relations and Global Development (elective, 4 ECTS / 2 US credits).
| Activity | Hours (4 ECTS) |
|---|---|
| Reading (approx. 300 pages at 20 pages per hour) | 15 |
| Video lectures, with notes | 4 |
| Response papers (5 x approx. 2,500 words, one per study period) | 60 |
| Student-created quiz (10 questions) | 6 |
| Major paper (approx. 4,000 words: research, drafting, revision) | 22 |
| Oral examination preparation | 6 |
| Oral examination (45 minutes) | 0.75 |
| Total student workload | 113.75 |
| Required band (25 to 30 hours per ECTS) | 100-120 |
The course runs over seven study periods. Its credit value is justified by the total student workload above, at 25 to 30 hours per ECTS credit, under the EULER Credit Allocation and Conversion Policy (EULER-QA-CR-2025-01). The reading line reflects the standard reading allocation for the credit value and is verified against the course reading list in the termly syllabus audit.
Workload statement under the EULER Syllabus Standard (EULER-QA-SY-2025-01), Section 3 and Annex A. Version 2026-11 (2 November 2026). Credit values per the EULER Comprehensive Curriculum Integrity Matrix (EULER-QA-CI-2025-01).
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course offers an in-depth exploration of Africa’s economic development, examining the diverse and dynamic economic landscapes across the continent. Students will analyze the historical context, current challenges, and future prospects of economic development in African nations. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including colonial legacies, resource management, demographic trends, regional integration, and the impact of globalization. Through case studies, policy analysis, and engagement with contemporary research, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing economic growth and development in Africa, as well as the diverse strategies African countries are adopting to achieve sustainable economic progress.
COURSE OBJECTIVES | LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
Understand the historical context and colonial legacies impacting economic development in Africa.
Analyze key economic challenges and opportunities facing African nations, including resource management, demographic trends, and infrastructural development.
Evaluate the role of regional and international organizations in Africa’s economic development.
Explore the impact of global economic trends and policies on African economies.
Develop the ability to critically assess and propose solutions to economic development challenges in the African context.
COURSE CMS SPECIFICS
Credit value (EUCLID programs): 3-6 (US standard) | 6-12 (ECTS standard)
Indicative duration (full-time): 4-10 weeks
Indicative duration (part-time): 5-12 weeks
Certificate: Yes
COURSE METHODOLOGY
This course is based on standard EUCLID methodology. Students may refer to the following resources:
Academic Guidelines (HQ version)
Academic Guidelines (most recent version, even if unofficial)
Student Orientation Guidelines (most recent version, even if unofficial)
Zotero instructions for EUCLID students
Grammarly instructions for EUCLID students
REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIAL
Course material is provided in the form of embedded videos, audio MP3s, and/or downloadable PDFs.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Written Assignments, Response Papers and Major Paper: 40% (must pass)
Quiz: 10% (must pass)
Final Exam: 50% (must pass)