You are expected to write a short paper in English where you discuss themes from modules 4 and 5. The text needs to be in the range of 900-1100 words. You should spend a few words on an introduction, but the main text should be divided between three topics that are covered in modules 4 and 5. You are free to choose either one country for an in-depth analysis discussed in relation to the three topics or different sub-Saharan countries to illustrate the three topics.

A minimum 300 words is expected on each topic - demographic change, economic growth and political development. Use the following four headlines to structure your text:

Introduction

Demographic change

Economic growth

Political development

Below you will find a short explanation of the three broad topics that should be taken into consideration in this paper. But you do not have to cover all aspects of each topic. Make some choices and decide on a focus in your text. I have provided some suggestion of what such fucuses may be. As long as you stay within the main topic, you are free to choose between the suggestions or other focus areas.

Demographic change I have discussed two primary aspects of demographic change; population increase and urbanization. Discuss what population growth in Africa has looked like in the past and will look like in the future; the different stages of the demographic transition and how it plays out in Africa; the urbanization trends in the past and at present; and so on.

Economic growth we have seen how the African economies since WWII have experienced both booms and busts. Discuss the drivers of growth trends; economic policies to achieve growth; the relationship between economic growth and poverty reduction; and so on.

Political development the big wave of independence swept over the African region in the 1960s. Discuss pre-colonial and colonial legacies to post-independence state formation; the relationship between political and economic development; the creation and survival of the gate-keeping state; and so on.