This course examines the political, social, economic and intellectual forces that plunged Europe into a period of violent revolution as well as the nationalist activities which eventually led to the creation of powerful new nation states. The course exposes students to major upheavals in Europe with the French revolution as a key event which unleashed a chain of revolutions and series of wars beginning with the rise of napoleon. It studies significant developments like experimentation of the rise of Napoleon. It studies significant developments like experimentation with liberal democracy and constitutional rule; counterrevolutions; the surge of nationalism; and unification of culturally homogeneous (Germany and Italy). The course further examines new thought cultures like liberalism, Darwinism, Romanticism and Marxism, as well as personalities whose twists and turns shaped Europe during this epoch. By drawing on parallels between this aspect of European history and the decolonized experiences of Ghana and other African states, the course broadens students’ scope of understanding of African political history. It enables students to appreciate the instability in post-colonial Africa; the emergence of personal dictatorships; the ideas of revolution; African socialism, African Marxism, and, more recently, the drift towards western liberal democracy and constitutional rule.

This course concerns itself with the growth of Russia from an insignificant state into a dominant power in Northern Europe in the course of the 18th century. The role of rulers like Peter (the Great) and Catherine II are highlighted. The examination of Russia's history of the period provides an opportunity to illustrate the crucial role leaders play in the growth of any country.

The course studies the beginnings of American society from the seventeenth century up to the fourth decade of the nineteenth century. It will provide an insight into the establishment of the thirteen British colonies in America. It examines the circumstances that led to the American War of independence as well as the efforts at building the first institutions of government for the nation. Particular attention is also given to the role of the African in these developments.

This course provides insights into the processes involved in the formation of the early major politics in the savannah (Ghana, Mali, Songhai) of West Africa. It enables students to understand the political, economic and social institutions created in these politics before the coming of European to Africa during the modern era. The course also exposes students to the consequences of European exploration of the West Africa coast. This course enables students to acquire adequate knowledge about the modes of polity formation and organization and the role of great personalities and external influences in these political processes. It further enables students to clearly conceptualize the phenomenon of decline and fall in the early state formation processes in West Africa.