National and International Student 

Master in African Regional Integration

This proposed study plan is based on the concept of a two year (four semesters) Master program which corresponds to 120 credit points, according to the European System of Credit Transfer. As such, it is compatible with international programs, ensuring the possibility of degree recognition from other Universities.

It is designed taking into consideration the specific Master program structure of the University of Cabo Verde. In accordance to which the program is divided into two stages; the first year involves course work equal to 60 credits. The second year of the program involves a further 10 credits of course work and the remaining time is to be spent on the preparation of the Master Thesis. During the final semester students could choose to return to their home country and remain in contact with their supervisors through regular and scheduled email and conference calls.

The program is divided into fundamental and specialized courses. Fundamental courses cover central topics and equip students with the basic tools and understanding. Specialized courses have a more narrow focus and therefore have a smaller workload. All subjects are compulsory to ensure the high standard of all graduates upon completion.

The program is designed to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the complex multi-dimensional challenges of integration. To ensure a holistic understanding of the various motivations, structures, institutions and processes involved the program combines political, legal and economic theories and examples.

It is envisioned that this program will be taught by experts from the University of Cape Verde, along with a distinguished ‘flying faculty’ of relevant experts including academics and professionals. Elements of the program will be taught in all three ECOWAS languages and as such there should be an initial focus on the development of the language skills of students during the first year of study. The students should hold an undergraduate degree in subjects including political science, economics, law, international relations or similar fields to ensure that that already possess a level of background understanding. Student recruitment should focus on strengthening and developing research capacities across West Africa by attracting junior academics to the Master program, who return to their home Universities and share their new expertise in regional integration.

In the following section each proposed module is outlined in terms of learning goals, course content and suggested reading, in order to identify potential teaching candidates and have a clear overview of the objectives of each module.

Libraries

University of Cabo Verde - Uni-CV

Uni-CV has libraries in all its faculties and schools  and acess to the online catalogue which links to the WAI library, National Library, and the City Hall Library of São Vicente Island, and other sources such as Scielo, B-On, UNLibrary, University of Minho, Portal Capes (Brazil).

Link: http://biblioteca-online.net/abcd13/clientes/site/php/index.php?lang=pt

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 08 AM to 08 PM 

West Africa Institute - WAI

In line with the mission of the West Africa Institute to promote innovative research, support knowledge-based decision-making as well as build and strengthen capacity in issues concerning African regional integration, the WAI Library has been established within the National Library of Cabo Verde (NL) in 2013 as part of the innovative research and consulting project "Sustainable Regional Integration in West Africa and Europe" in cooperation with the Center for European Integration Studies (ZEI), financed by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

With over 600 books, journals, academic papers and scholarly materials in printed format, the WAI Library offers its users a state-of-the-art collection on regional integration in Africa and beyond. Within the framework of the African Access Initiative of the non-profit, digital library Journal Storage (short: JSTOR) based in New York, WAI also provides users access to a wide array of academic journals and articles in electronic format within the JSTOR Online Library.

With the establishment of Master program on African Regional at UNI-CV, the WAI Library will play a very critical role in identifying, evaluating, procuring and conducting research. It will be made available to the faculties and students for their teaching, learning and research assignments. Furthermore, residential WAI Fellows and other regional integration researchers and practitioners may use it to advance their work. All WAI Library resources can be searched, using the bibliographic database of the WAI Catalogue.

Being a reference library, WAI documentation is not available for borrowing, but can only be read within the premises of the National Library of Cabo Verde and with the permission of the NL Librarian. Exceptions for borrowing might be made for residential WAI Researchers and Fellowship holders after written application.

The WAI Library is operated and managed by WAI Coordinator Ablam Benjamin Akoutou, supported by his assistant Aksana Aracy Monteiro Brito. The NL Librarian, Cheila Antunes Gomes Semedo, is the responsible for the day-to-day management of the WAI library during the general opening hours of NL:

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm 

• WAI Library - Membership request

If you would like to become member of the WAI Library users’ community, please fill out the WAI Library Membership Request form, sign it and send it to info.wai@iao.gov.cv. After being checked by our administration, you will be informed about the status of your application by E-Mail.

If you miss a specific book on regional integration, have other recommendations or would like to make a (monetary or in-kind) donation to the WAI Library, please contact the WAI Library Coordinator Ablam Benjamin Akoutou at Benjamin.Akoutou@iao.gov.cv.

• http://www.westafricainstitute.org/index.php/en/wai-library
• Source:http://www.westafricainstitute.org/index.php/en/wai-library

• Theoretical approaches to regional integration

1. Learning objectives

This module introduces the evolution of theoretical approaches to regional integration, largely framed in the context of the European integration experience but developed in light of other regional experiences around the world.

Participants deepen their analytical skills and their understanding of current theoretical approaches to the concept of regional integration in the fields of economics, law and political science.

2. Course content

Theoretical foundation for understanding regional integration concepts from an economic, and political point of view, whereby the three main academic disciplines dealing with regional integration issues should be embedded in research fields such as area studies, international relations, sociological and cultural studies. The course may consist of three blocks, examining in turn political science and international relations approaches (15h), economic approaches (15h) and legal approaches (10h). Linkages should be found and new correlations established. The concept of measuring regional integration, instruments for research studies, theories of policy-implication and the application of theoretical insights (case studies) will be presented.

3. Suggested reading

Farrell, Mary et al. (eds.) Global Politics of Regionalism: Theory and practice. Pluto Press, 2004.

Laursen, Finn. Comparative Regional Integration: Theoretical Perspectives. Ashgate, 2004.

Kühnhardt, Ludger, Region-Building, Vol I: The Global Proliferation

• Measuring Integration I: Quantitative economic methods

1. Learning objectives

Participants will become familiar with quantitative methods in the context of comparative regional integration as well as with advanced statistical methods. Participants will develop their analytical and theoretical skills and learn how to apply various econometric methods in order to measure and assess regional integration.

2. Course content

The course will give an overview of quantitative methods and techniques which are core to the analysis of empirical data. This module introduces the current state of empirical social science methods and their application to comparative regional integration. Regional integration groupings worldwide are examined and academic methods used to assess and measure them from comparative and multi-disciplinary perspectives.

3. Suggested reading

De Lombaerde, Philippe. Flores, Renato. Iapadre, Lelio and Schulz, Michael. The Regional Integration Manual - Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Routledge, 2011.

McNabb, David E. Research Methods for Political Science: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches, M. E. Sharp Inc, 2009.

DeRosa, Dean A. Regional Integration Arrangements: Static Economic Theory, Quantitative Findings and Policy Guidelines, The World Bank Policy Research Working Paper, 2007.

• The experience of African regional integration

1. Learning objectives

The political system of regional systems will be discussed, with particular focus on the African experience, but also in light of concepts of regional governance elsewhere; the wide range of regional governance experiences will be studied on the basis of most relevant cases; the economic principles, effects and concepts of African regional integration, including the building blocks, will be analyzed.

Participants will become familiar with the history and evolution of African regional building blocks and the evolution of the African Union in a comparative perspective. Establishes a sound knowledge of the different African examples of regional governance for further comparative regional studies.

2. Course content

The history and development of African regional integration and how this impacts upon further integration; the political system of the different regional structures in Africa and their links to national political systems in Africa; policies and competencies; the particular characteristics of supranational governance and political decision-making processes in African regional groupings; political identity and the development of an African public sphere; the role of key-players in the African Union and its building-blocks; the prospects for monetary integration in Africa.

3. Suggested reading

Gabriel, Akwen/Boniface, Ortindi, The African Union and the Challenges of Regional Integration in Africa: what Hope for Africa´s Development, Saarbrücken: LAP Lampert Academic Publishing, 2011.

Abass, Ademola. ECOWAS and the Regional Integration Experiences in the World. WAI Critical Analysis and Action Studies, No 2, 2013.

http://www.westafricainstitute.org/index.php/en/2012-11-08-18-10-01/wai-books

Bankole, F. Regionalism and cooperation in West Africa. Grin Verlag, 2010.

• Research skills

1. Learning objectives

This module establishes the methodological basis for the research projects of all participants and shall help students to meet the high standards set for obtaining a degree.

Participants develop their practical skills and gain a well-structured overview of the international requirements for a sound academic research.

2. Course content

Basic methods and knowledge for conceptualizing an individual Master-Thesis; defining a hypothesis for such a project; identifying, selecting, studying and reflecting on primary sources and academic literature; drafting a comprehensive bibliography; structuring chapters and sub-chapters; identifying a methodology; writing a literature report with an overview of the field of research results; formulating a concise work plan/time-line; identifying problems and potentials of comparative working methods; reflecting on the research design of fellow researchers. Methodology of comparative research in social sciences.

3. Suggested reading

De Lombaerde, Philippe/Van Langenhove, Luk, Indicators of regional integration: conceptual and methodological aspects, in: Philippe de Lombaerde (ed.), Assessment and

Measurement of Regional Integration, London: Routledge, 2005.

Bhattacherjee, Anol. Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices. Global Text Project, 2012.

Blaikie, Norman. Designing Social Research. Polity Press, Cambridge, 201

• Language courses

1. Learning objectives

Students will receive intensive training in ECOWAS languages other than their native language. Students will develop their subject specific language and communication skills and build upon their current level of proficiency.

2. Course content

This module involves improving the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of students in the ECOWAS language of their choice. Offered at various levels.

3. Suggested reading

Baleyte, Jean. Kurgansky, Alexandre. Soindler, Jacques. Laroche, Christian. Dictionnaire économique et Juridique: français-anglais. L.D.G.T (5th Edition) 2000.

Hyland, Ken. English for Academic Purposes: An Advanced Resource Book, Routledge, Oxon, 2006.

Cunha, Celso and Cintra, Lindley. Breve gramatica do português contemporâneo, Ediçoes Joao Sa da Costa, 2006.

• Measuring Integration II: Normative and applied methods

1. Learning objectives

Participants will become familiar with methods of measuring and monitoring regional integration processes. Including assessment of issues such as rule of law and human rights. Use of trans-disciplinary methods to examine the goals and aims of regional integration. Students will develop skills in the application and use of various qualititative methods for examining and measuring regional integration

2. Course content

Methods for measuring and assessing the normative aspects of regional integration applied to the African experience. Comparisons with other regions. Training in observational and experimental approaches. Provides an introduction into normative, conceptual and critical methodologies. Qualitative methods such as participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus groups. Designing and planning qualitative research.

3. Suggested reading

De Lombaerde, Philippe. Flores, Renato. Iapadre, Lelio and Schulz, Michael. The Regional Integration Manual - Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Routledge, 2011.

Berg, Bruce L. and Lune, Howard. Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences (8th Edition), Pearson Education Limited, 2011.

Paillé, Pierre en Mucchielli, Alex. L'analyse qualitative en sciences humaines et sociales. Armand Colin, 2012.

• Management of regional integration and practical skills

1. Learning objectives

Students will become familiar with the structure and management of a public sector organization and working procedures. With a special focus on the effective internal processes and practical skills required in regional integration organizations.
Participants will learn about the functioning of public sector organizations in the field of regional integration and develop practical skills and awareness.

2. Course content

The opportunities and challenges of working in an international and multicultural environment of regional integration and the development of intercultural competences.

Models of internal organizational structures, strategic human resource management, marketing and fundraising, controlling, management of decision-making, micromanagement of small policy units, strategic planning, institutional development, public finance management, accountability and good governance. Theoretical insights will be combined with practical experiences through the contributions of practitioners from regional integration institutions inside and outside Africa (case-studies).

3. Suggested reading

Chanie, P. and Mihyo, P.B (eds). Thirty Years of Public Sector Reforms in Africa: Selected Country Experiences. Fountain Publishers, Kampala, 2013.

Simson, Rebecca Sharma, Natasha & Aziz, Imran. A guide to public financial management literature: For practitioners in developing countries. Overseas Development Institute,

December 2011. http://www.odi.org.uk/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/7542.pdf

Guilherme, Manuela. Glaser, Evelyne and Méndez García, María del Carmen. Eds. The Intercultural Dynamics of Multicultural Working. Multiligual Matters, 2010.

• Legal dimensions of regional integration

1. Learning objectives

Participants gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework of African regional integration; Including a critical study of the legal frameworks of regional integration in other regions of the world. Students will be trained in understanding and analyzing legal texts and in preparing legal opinions. Consideration of primary and secondary sources of law

2. Course content

Examine and compare, in a comparative context, legal aspects of political and economic integration in various regions. Focus upon African institutional and procedural legal framework. Aspects of commercial and public law will be examined, including trade agreements, competition policy and regulation. The role of national and regional level courts and

consideration of the challenges of implementation, the roles of national governments and the judiciary. Students will also examine the challenges of integrating different legal systems and implanting legal frameworks.

3. Suggested reading

Oppong, Richard Frimpong, Legal Aspects of Economic Integration in Africa, Cambridge University Press, 2011.

OHADA (Organisation pour l'Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires) (ed.). Traité et actes uniformes commentés et annotés. Futuroscope Cedex: Juriscope, 2012.

Drexl, Jospeh (et al) (eds). Competition Policy and Regional Integration in Developing Countries, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012.

• Regional socio-economic policy and development

1. Learning objectives

Participants shall compare developments in this sector in different regional integration schemes in order to draw conclusions for economic and social policy management and to distinguish and implement effective processes.

Participants shall gain deeper knowledge of socio-economic processes on a regional level and the legal issues associated with them.

2. Course content

The legal governance and regulation framework required for crucial economic topics like the realization of a common market, the establishment of a common currency, trade and customs issues, the role of a regional competition policy, the significance of structural and regional policy etc. Furthermore special policy fields like agricultural policy, labor markets (formal sector), migration as an economic factor, the role of the informal sector and the impact of regional integration upon it. Regional integration and development economics and the opportunities and challenges in the context of development cooperation. Comparative examination of policies and development cooperation in regional integration projects.

3. Suggested reading

Seck, Diéry, Proposed Architecture for an ECOWAS Common Currency Union, WAI-ZEI Paper, No. 9, Bonn: Center for European Integration Studies, 2013. www.zei.uni-bonn.de/publikationen/wai-zei-paper und ZEF/ZEI, Signatur Wi670 2013/1.

Ayuk, Elias T and Kaboré, Samuel T. Wealth through Integration: Regional Integration and Poverty-Reduction Strategies in West Africa (Insight and Innovation in International

Development, Springer, 2012

Oshikoya, Temitope W. Monetary and Financial Integration in West Africa, Routledge, 2010

• Regional security governance and conflict prevention

1. Learning Objectives

Students will develop skills necessary for understanding the issue of security in a regional context and approaches and strategies for regional security. They will analyze conflicts and changes in safety standards, including the emptying of the division between internal and external security. The module will discuss the broad spectrum of issues related to peacekeeping and military aspects of security, the role of the environment or energy security and specific security challenges to the ECOWAS region, as well as the tension between freedom and security at regional level. Students will increase their knowledge about peace and security in the context of regional integration, along with the role of regional integration to conflict prevention.

2. Course contents

In this module will be developed issues relating to supranational issues such as migration from a security perspective, including border security, energy security and climate change, human trafficking and other forms of organized crime, regionalized conflict and international terrorism. Also will be discussed aspects of the construction and the maintenance of peace, conflict prevention, monitoring, good governance and crisis management through a comprehensive approach to solution. Comparative examples and case studies will be used to highlight specific regional issues, including the causes, consequences and prevention of conflicts.

3. Suggested reading

De Vos, Johannes Nicolaas. A Security Community in Africa: A critical Assessment of the African Union´s contribution towards the Construction of a Potential Security Community since 2002, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, 2012.

Francis, David J. Uniting Africa: Building Regional Security Systems, Ashgate, 2006.

Iwilade, Akin and Uchechukwu Agbo, Johnson. “ECOWAS and the Regulation of Regional Peace and Security in West Africa”, in: Democracy and Security, Vol. 8, Issue 4, Oxford/New York: Routledge, 2012.

• The politics of regional integration, policy formulation and multi-level governance

1. Learning objectives

Participants will learn about why regional integration is taking place at all and how it is advancing and why, at times, it is failing. Driving, enabling and vetoing actors and factors will be discussed along with structural pre-conditions for and obstacles to integration, factors/actors which prevent or slow down integration schemes and the interplay of economic, legal and political factors. Moreover they shall consolidate their knowledge about the mechanisms of internal developments, policy formulation, decision making and policy implementation in selected regional groupings, inside and outside Africa. Against this background, essential deficits of integration and challenges to the implementation and sustaining of integration decision will be examined.

2. Course content

The process of interest formulation and representation; joint definition of short-comings and future challenges; finding regional compromises; case-studies from selected policy fields and an examination of the impact and consequences of integration. Agenda-setting; prioritizing; decision-making. Conditions for and obstacles to the implementation and sustaining of, integration plans. The mechanics of multi-level governance; policy formulation, decision making and policy implementation in a comparative perspective; the role of civil society and political lobbying in regional integration, as well as the setting and changing of priorities and how policy makers at each level share or compete for responsibility. The module will emphasize case-studies in order to better understand matters of varying political identities and the role of different actors on different levels in the political process.

3. Suggested reading

Vogl, M. and W. Ouattara 2012. Obstacles to sustainable regional integration in West Africa. GREAT Insights, Volume 1, Issue 9. November 2012 http://www.ecdpm.org/Web_ECDPM/Web/Content/Content.nsf/0/FD921CD94A523CD8C1257AAD0046E809?OpenDocument#sthash.n4NlGaQH.dpuf

Owusu, George, Factors shaping Economic Integration and Regional Trade in West Africa, in Sohn, Rike Oppong, Ama Konadu (eds.) Regional Trade and Monetary Integration in West

Africa and Europe. WAI-ZEI Paper, No 6, 2013.

Piattoni, Simona, The Theory of Multi-Level Governance; Conceptual, Empirical and Normative Challenges. Oxford, 2010.

 Regional integration and global governance

1. Learning objectives

Participants will study obstacles to regional integration and try to better understand the role of political decision making inside regions and the impact on the external relations of regions. They will also focus on the role of non-governmental actors and on relationship with other international organizations and the management of this institutional setup.
Participants will increase their analytical skills regarding the consequences of a world of regional integration systems (changes in global security, global power shifts, need for new governance strategies).

2. Course content

Case studies from several regional groupings worldwide; the potential of bi-regional cooperation and association; experiences with the links between economic, legal and political calculations in regional integration and their influence on the structure of global governance. Interplay between regional groupings, international organizations and NGO´s. Role of internationally crucial issues (i.e. human rights, democracy and the rule of law) and their interconnection and implementation on a global and regional level. Interregional connections including the impact of foreign investment and in relation to leadership summits and cooperation. Continuities and changes in various systems and the future of regional integration.

3. Suggested reading

Hänggi, Heiner et.al. (eds.), Interregionalism and International Relations, Abingdon/New York: Routledge, 2006.

Fioramonti, Lorenzo (Ed.) Regionalism in a Changing World ‐ Comparative Perspectives in the New Global Order, Routledge, 2012.

Van Langenhove, Luk. Building Regions - The Regionalization of the World Order, Ashgate, 2011

• Master thesis and tutorial

1. Learning objectives

Independent processing of a larger scientific topic within a specified period of time

Students work independently and deal scientifically with secondary literature Students receive support in the form of weekly tutorials to ensure students have a well-developed concept and plan for their Master thesis. Support students in defining a hypothesis for the thesis and identifying appropriate research and methodology.

2. Course content

Depends on the topic of the master thesis.

In an increasingly competitive job market a graduate degree alone is often no longer enough for secure employment prospects. Therefore an important consideration in the development of graduate education programs such as the Master in African Regional Integration, are the opportunities for students on completion and their employability. Employability is a combination of skills, knowledge and attributes which contribute to graduates being more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen career.

Specialized Knowledge

Graduates will gain specialized knowledge in the field of African Regional Integration, with a specific focus on West Africa. This knowledge and understanding of the complex yet increasingly important nature of regional integration is an important foundation for future employers. The program also develops the strategic and analytical thinking skills of students. Graduates are trained in understanding and conceptualizing theoretical perspectives and then applying them to real life scenarios and case studies. Further, the multi-disciplinary nature of the course ensures that graduates have a well-developed and holistic understanding of complex global issues and are able to draw upon this knowledge in order to better deal with challenges.

Professional skills

Graduates will be trained in applying their knowledge in a practical and meaningful way. This is developed through lecturers who are practitioners and through the examination of case studies; further professional skills such as planning; controlling and organizational structures are also included in the curriculum. Students will also develop valuable transferable skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Through the practical focus of the modules graduates will have highly developed skills such as preparing reports, proposals, positions papers and presentations. Group work will also develop the problem-solving, team work and collaboration skills of graduates.

Attributes

The international nature and outlook of the Master will help to produce graduates who are sensitive to cultural differences and are able to work together with people of different nationalities and backgrounds. The ability to effectively communicate and be respectful of cultural differences will increase the prospects and success of graduates entering international career paths. The international ‘flying faculty’ will also contribute to broadening the understanding and inter-cultural skills of graduates.

The program provides graduates with expertise, skills and attributes which prepare graduates for a diverse range of career opportunities including; worldwide academic institutions, public institutions and regional integration institutions, national administrations, media, private sector actors, NGO’s and policy consulting.

The program also provides graduates with the foundation for a network of experts working in the field of regional integration; through classmates, alumni and teaching staff. Following graduation students returning to their home country will have established contacts with individuals across the region and potentially around the world.

The Master in African Regional Integration prepares graduates for a wide range of exciting and challenging career paths. On completion graduates can demonstrate to future employers not only their expertise and specialized knowledge but also a broad range of professional skills and attributes.

Support Services

Academic Affairs Office

PhD. Astrigilda P. Silveira  - Academic Service Director

 (00238) 3340 126

Dr. Marise Carvalho - Campus Palmarejo Responsible

 (00238) 3340 109

  Email:marise.carvalho@adm.unicv.edu.cv

Dr. Manuela Furtado - Post-Graduation Division

 (00238) 3340 131

 manuela.furtado@adm.unicv.edu.cv

General Information

  servicos.academicos@adm.unicv.edu.cv
  (00238) 3340 110; 3340 500;

Social Affairs Office

Dr. Dilce Sá Nogueira - Social Service Coordinator – Praia  

(00238) 3340 149

 dilce.sanogueira@adm.unicv.edu.cv

General Information

http://www.unicv.edu.cv/index.php/pt/servicos-pt/servicos-de-accao-social

  sas.unicv@adm.unicv.edu.cv

 (00238) 3340 149;

Foadel: http://www.unicv.edu.cv/index.php/pt/servicos-pt/nucleo-de-ensino-a-distancia

SCIENTIFIC AND PEDAGOGICAL COMMISSION (SPC) OF THE MASTER IN AFRICAN REGIONAL INTEGRATION

Prof. Dr. Odair Barros-Varela, Director of the Master and Scientific Coordinator of the following areas: International Relations, Political Science, Law, Social Sciences and Humanities;

Prof. Dr. Paul Mendes, Scientific Coordinator of the Linguistic Areas: French, English and Portuguese;

Prof. Dr. Artur Furtado, Scientific Coordinator of the following areas: Economic, Exact and Technological Sciences.

Email: mira@adm.unicv.edu.cv

 Phone: (+238) 3340 447

Work Time: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 

Lunch Time: Monday to Friday from 13:00 to 14:00

Escola Grande Building, Serpa Pinto Street, Praia, CP: 379C, Cape Verde