MEMO FOR FIRST ESSAY ON COLONIAL LEGACY:

• The paper topic is whether or not the legacy of the colonial state continues to adversely influence the political development of African states despite four decades of independence.

· In 4-5 pages, you are to make a clear, coherent argument with an introduction and conclusion.

• All papers must be type-written and double-spaced with a 12-point font on 8.5 x 11 paper with 1 inch margins.

• Your argument does not have to be exhaustive—i.e., it does not have to touch on every point we have discussed in class. But you are expected to make several points rather than focusing on one aspect of post-colonial African politics.

• While you are expected to cite at least several sources from the syllabus, you do not have to incorporate all the readings. However, papers without any references to the readings, as endnotes, footnotes or parenthetical references, will not receive full credit.

• You must include at least 2 references on the African country you are researching.

REMEMBER: The essay is not about that country but more generally about African politics. Your references to a particular country are to illustrate your points.

• Papers with spelling and grammatical errors will not receive full credit.

• A hardcopy of the paper is due at the beginning of class on March 14. Papers that are received past the deadline will lose half a letter grade for each day the paper is late.