ALS/POLS/SOCL 293 Transforming Africa:
Model SADC Simulation
Spring 2012
W and F 10:00-10:50
FITZ 306
Professor: Robert Compton, Ph.D.
Office Hours: Monday (1:00 to 2:00) & Tuesday (1:00 to 3:00) & by appointment
Office Location: Fitzelle 514
Phone: 436-3048
E-Mail: Robert.Compton@oneonta.edu
Website address: www.http://employees.oneonta.edu/comptorw/
Course Description:
This experiential learning course is centered on a simulation of the Southern African Development
Community- Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) held on the Oneonta campus. Students from a variety of
institutions meet to discuss issues confronting SADC member states and Africa in general during the daylong conference.
Students will learn about the SADC-PF system and processes, parliamentary procedures, and the art of
compromise as each delegate pursues national and regional interests and work to make the Southern
Africa more secure. Issues of economic development, peer review mechanisms and governance, and
social development are critical to uplifting the quality of life and standard of living for Africa. The United
Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) increasingly rely on regional organizations such as SADC to
implement and customize policies on a local level.
Our task is to prepare for the simulation through a rigorous study of African issues facing SADC and
member states. We will obtain proficiency in the practical aspects of SADC-PF processes, including the
following: parliamentary procedures, resolution writing, negotiations, and position papers. After
returning from the SADC Simulation at Penn State (February 24-25), the remainder of the course will
focus on debriefing and a systematic study of SADC policies as a regional organization. The two issues
for 2012 are: climate change and food security and fairness in the electoral system.
Outcomes and Goals:
·
Research and learn about regional issues and issues facing countries in the SADC block.
·
Develop focused research, oral, and writing skills both in the classroom and simulation (conference
setting).
·
Encourage the development of social skills, especially negotiation skills, in resolving complex and
multi-faceted (e.g., inter- and multi-disciplinary) issues.
·
Simulate the proceedings of the SADC-PF.
·
Increase awareness of international and developing world issues.
·
Develop a greater understanding of the value and the shortcoming of the SADC-PF system.
Grading:
Class participation
Position Paper
Final paper
Final Exam
In class simulation
On site performance
[representation (25%),
(25%)]
10%
20%
25%- 50% of which is presentation and discussion
10%
10%
25%
issue knowledge (25%), teamwork (25%), and parliamentary procedures
Class Policies and Expectations:
·
Students will attend the preparatory sessions and come prepared to participate. This includes
doing the necessary research. Attendance is key to this course.
·
Students will learn as much as possible about the domestic and international politics involving
SADC and the country you represent.
·
Students will have a genuine interest in the operations of the SADC-PF and have a commitment
to participate in the simulation.
Texts
Akonor, Kwame (2010). African Economic Institutions. Routledge.
Lee, Margaret C. (2003). The Political Economy of Regionalism. Rienner
Website of the African Union, Southern African Development Community, Southern African Development
Community-Parliamentary Forum, and the United Nations will be utilized. Handouts and readings will be
distributed.
Schedule of Sessions
January 25 and 27 Introduction to African Development
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8UAS0ADDWc
Akonor, Chapter 1
Lee, Introduction
Students will pick their countries.
Feb. 1, 3 and 8 SADC and AU
Review of the history of the AU and SADC
Review the history of SADC-PF
Please view the SADC and AU website and become aware of the general issues facing both
organizations.
In class research of SADC-PF for the simulation and country assigned
Akonor, Chapters 2 and 3
Lee, Chapter 2
Feb. 10, 15, and 17 Issues before SADC-PF
Akonor, Chapters 4 and 5
Lee, Chapter 3 and 4
In class research of issues before SADC
Test on Issues
Feb. 22 In class simulation practice
Feb. 24 PSU MODEL SADC-PF
Feb. 29 and Mar. 2 Debriefing
_____________________________________
For the rest of the semester, we will alternate class discussions and research based on the position
papers. Students will identify pertinent topics of discussions when there is no research. Topics must
pertain to SADC issues. Students will do research and bring in materials for discussions.
Mar. 7 and 9 Conversion to Research Paper Begins
Lee, Chapter 5
Mar. 14 and 16 Workshops on Research
Mar. 28 and 30 Workshop on Paper Conversion
April 4 and 6 Paper Writing
Lee, Chapter 6
April 11 and 13 Student Exchange and Critique of Paper
April 18 and 20 Paper rewrite
April 25 and 27 Paper Presentations
May 2 and 4 Paper Presentation
Final Exam May 11 (FRI) at 8:00am