CRP 477/677

Issues in African Development examines critical concerns in contemporary Africa. The fall 2005 semester focuses on Aid, Trade and Institution Building in Africa. The spring 2005 semester focuses on The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Prospects for Africa. Sponsored by the Institute for African Development, the seminars provide a forum for participants to explore alternative perspectives and exchange individual ideas.

The seminar is offered for academic credit for those who wish to enroll formally at either the graduate or undergraduate levels, but is also open to anyone else who is interested. The series has grown from occasional presentations by visiting scholars into a regular weekly meeting serving a campus-wide audience. A central element in the Institute program, it provides not only a forum for guest speakers, but also a focal activity for students and faculty interested in African development.

The core participant constituency will be the IAD Fellows. Representative countries in eastern, western, and southern Africa, they ensure a breadth of perspective on virtually any issue addressed. Other students are welcome.

Students enrolled in the course for credit must attend 12 out of the 14 seminar discussions. Active participation is encouraged during seminar discussions. Enrolled students must also submit a 4-6 page evaluative paper of the seminar. The evaluations should be a frank discussion of the issues and speakers of the semesters, evaluation of specific critical issues, ways to improve the seminar series, as well as suggestions of future speakers.