This course offers an introduction to contemporary African politics, with a central focus on countries south of the Sahara (sub-Saharan Africa). The course examines internal and external factors that have influenced state formation and political institutions, including the legacy and role of slavery, colonialism, ethnicity, gender, conflict, poverty, urbanization, and environmental change. The course compares and contrasts the political diversity of Africa, while also revealing the many innovations and successes that often go unnoticed. (Comparative)