Page 1 of 2
Summer 2020
AFR 110N Sec. 101, Dr. Govere
Country Project Step 1: Colonial History and Current Political Context
Country Project Step 1 Rubric
Main Tasks Components of the Tasks Total
points 1. Basic
information
about your
country of study
What is the name of the country you are researching? What
was its name prior to colonial rule? (I point)
What is the capital city of the country being researched?
Did the capital city change its name after colonial rule? (I
point)
What is the geographical location (latitude and longitude,
and topography (e.g., tropical, desert, savanna, mountainous
or a combination)? (I point)
3
2. Colonial
history of your
country of study
Which European colonial power ruled this territory and
when? (I point)
What was the nature and type of colonial rule in the country
you are researching? (I point)
How did colonial occupation impact the following?
o local political structures;(3 points)
o social and cultural institutions (e.g., land ownership,
marriage, inheritance, gender relations, etc.); (3
points)
o traditional religions and/or spiritual practices; (3
points)
o the economy (3 points)
What were the two major events during colonial occupation
that catalyzed the process of independence? (3 points)
When (the date) did the country gain independence? Who
became the leader of the country at independence? How is
independence celebrated in contemporary society? (3
points)
20
Page 2 of 2
3. Current
political context What type of political system was introduced immediately
after independence, and what changes were made in the
TWO decades AFTER independence? (3 points)
Explain how the politics of the country have changed over
the last twenty years. (3 points)
Who is the present leader of your assigned country? (1
point)
What is the current political system in place? Name the
main political parties. (3 points)
When were the last elections held, and what was the
outcome, that is, which political party gained power and
which political party ceded power (if relevant)? (2 points)
How did the contending parties, the populace, the media,
and election observers react to the election results? (2
points)
When is the next election scheduled to be held? (I point)
Assess the state of the political system and the role of the
media in the country you are researching. (3 points)
What is the current relationship between the U.S. and your
assigned country? (2 points)
20
4. Conclusion Using all the data you have collected and the analyses you
have conducted pertaining to the above questions, write a
conclusion addressing how the current political context in
your country of study has not only been influenced by
colonial rule but also by African regional political
developments and the international political context. (3
points)
3
5. Other
requirements
Referencing: Evidential Proof of sources used: Paper
should be supported by evidence and quotations from
sources. At least three sources with APA citation at the
bottom of the report, Variation in selection of sources
necessary (2 points). Full points for accurate use of APA
in-text and reference list)
Organization of text: Well organized, detailed, and
logical/cohesive arguments addressing relevant issues. (2
points)
4
Total 50