The course introduces students to the confluence of political and economic forces at the local, national, regional, and global levels that have helped shape the trajectory of African development. The course is divided into three parts: the first examines the meaning and evolution of the political economy of development in the context of Africa’s unfolding history from pre-independence through the era of structural adjustment. The second applies an understanding of political economy to topical development issues such as environment and climate change, causes and consequences of conflict, health and development, and international aid. The latter section applies the political economy framework to particular African country case studies.