GV3RDA: Reimagining Development in Africa

Module code: GV3RDA

Module provider: Geography and Environmental Science; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Yaw Adjei-Amoako , email: yaw.adjei-amoako@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 11 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module critically examines development issues, theories, and practices in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the unique political, cultural, and economic dynamics that shape development across the continent. We will explore both historical and contemporary perspectives and challenges, emphasise African agency, resilience and innovation within the development landscape. Through case studies, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the diverse pathways and challenges to development in African nations and regions. 

Module aims 

• To explore key theories, practices, and challenges of development in Sub-Saharan Africa within a geographical framework. 
• To assess the impact of historical, cultural, economic, and political factors on development outcomes. 
• To critically analyse innovative development practices and policies within different Sub-Saharan African contexts. 
• To develop skills in evaluating real-world development initiatives and their sustainability, impact, and adaptability. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate an understand of core concepts and theories of development as applied to Sub-Saharan African contexts. 
2. Analyse the impacts of colonial legacies on current development patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa. 
3. Evaluate the roles of international organisations, governments, and local communities in shaping development. 
4. Engage with case studies and demonstrate an understanding of diverse African development experiences. 
5. Conduct independent research and apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary development challenges and contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Module content

Key topics for lectures and seminars:

• Week 1 - Introduction to Development in Africa
• Week 2 - Colonial Legacies and Development Pathways 
• Week 3 -  Theoretical Perspectives on Development in Africa
• Week 4 - Gendered Spaces of Development
• Week 5 - Environment and Sustainable Development
• Week 6 - Mid-semnester break
• Week 7 - Urbanisation and Urban Spaces
• Week 8 - Disability, Health and Development
• Week 9 - Youth, Participation and Development
• Week 10 - Technology, Innovation and Development
• Week 11 - Migration, Diaspora and Remittances
• Week 12 - Module Summary: Africa in the Global Development Landscape

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module will use a range of teaching and learning methods to deepen students understanding of development in Africa: 

1. Lectures and seminars: weekly lectures will introduce core concepts and current issues in African development, while seminars will offer a space for discussion, debates, and case study analysis to apply theories in practical contexts.  
2. Digital learning: multimedia resources (e.g., videos, podcasts, etc.) and interactive tools will enrich the learning experience. 
3. These are supplemented with occasional guest lectures, module discussions and assessment workshops. 

Study hours

At least 34 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Level 3 (i.e. foundation modules for Part 0) and Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Formative feedback on: 

1. Weekly pre-lecture and -seminar tasks focused on lecture content and questions for the seminars.  
2. Visual Ethnography Project and Policy Brief and Reflective Analysis plans. 

Reassessment

Additional costs