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This class provides an introduction to contemporary African politics. Africa is diverse, and its political landscape is rapidly changing. Dramatic events that have occurred in just over half a century in Africa, including but not limited to decolonization, the end of the Cold War, rapid democratization, urbanization, the youth bulge, conflicts, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, etc. has significantly shaped the nature of state and society with implications for political outcomes in present-day Africa. This course unfolds in four parts. In part one, we examine Africa's recent political history focusing on how pre-colonial politics, slave trade, colonialism, and decolonization politics impact modern African states. Part two then examines the social forces that shape contemporary politics across the continent. These include ethnic groups, religion, gender, and civil society. With an understanding of these social forces, we then move on to part three, which will explore dynamics and structures that mediates these social forces, including democracy, development, social movements, and international relations. The final part examines Africa's critical issues and opportunities, including conflict, the youth bulge, regionalism/AfCFTA, climate change, gender (in)equality and women's empowerment, and the COVID-19 pandemic.