What are the big ideas, essential questions, disciplinary ways of thinking, and/or approaches to problem solving that students will engage with in the course? Why are they relevant?
In social theory as well as public policy the concept of ‘governance’ is often associated with normative prefixes: good governance, effective governance, sound governance etc. Likewise, governance may often be perceived as acts performed primarily by governments. 

This course will aim to unpack governance from the ‘embrace’ of being a government prerogative and rather consider governance as institutional processes involving multiple actors inside and outside of government who endeavor to arrive at effective rules of the game for authoritative decision-making.

Rather than promoting a normative scheme, the course will suggest that governance must be considered as decisively shaped by the country and societal context. It offers a pragmatic approach to what can be considered ‘best fit’ given the circumstances rather than ideal notions of ‘best practice’.

Such an approach offers analytical tools and enhanced awareness of how existing governance arrangements affect available opportunities and by what means institutional frameworks can be adjusted and made more responsive to needs of citizens, enterprises, and the wider society. The course offers a balance between global and international ideas and theories on governance on the one hand and on the other hand specific case studies from the African region, thereby aiming to verify and qualify generic statements on the nature of politics in Africa.