M.A. History & International Studies

Department of History and International Studies

Master of Arts in History and International Studies

M.A. History and International Studies

A. List of Academic Staff

NameStatus and QualificationsResearch Interests
A. S. AfolabiReader & Ag. Head of Department B.A. (Ilorin); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)Economic History (with particular reference to Taxation and Revoltsin South-Western Nigeria)
B.M. EyinlaProfessor B.A., M.A. (Ibadan); M.Sc. (OAU,Ile-Ife); Ph.D. (Ilorin), PGD ISS (The Hague).Diplomatic History
R.A. OlaoyeProfessor B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (Ilorin)History of Science andTechnology
S.O. AghalinoProfessor
.B.A.  Ed.  (AAU,  Ekpoma);  M.A.,Ph.D.(Ilorin)
Economic and Social History(with particular reference to Oil, Gas and Environment
P. F. AdebayoProfessor B.A. (Ibadan); M.Sc. (OAU, Ile-Ife);Dipl. U.S. Std.(New York); Ph.D, (Ilorin)Lebanese Diaspora, American and Humanitarian Studies
I.A. JawondoProfessor
NCE (KWACOED, Ilorin), B. A. (Ed.) (Ilorin); M. A., Ph.D. (UDUS,Sokoto); Cert. in Computer (Ilorin)
Religion and Society with focus on the Mosque and Society, Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies,  Ilorin  Emirate  Studiesand Development Studies
L. E. OdehProfessor
B.A. (LASU, Ojo); M.Sc., Ph.D. (BSU, Makurdi); PGDE (NOUN)
International Relations (with particular  reference toInternational Economic Relations)
B. O. IbrahimReader
B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Economic History ( withparticular reference to industrialisation)
A.J. AboyejiSenior Lecturer; 
B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (Ilorin); PGDE (UDUS, Sokoto)
Inter-Group Diplomacy & Economic History (with particularreference to Igbomina Studies)
Theresa N. OdeigahSenior Lecturer
B.A., M.A. (Ilorin) Ph.D. (KSU,Anyigba)
Economic History/Gender Studies (with particular reference to theEastern Niger Delta)
O.S. AboyejiSenior Lecturer; 
B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(Ilorin); PGDE (UDUS, Sokoto)
Cultural History (with particularreference to Igbomina Studies)
O.M. AlabiLecturer I
; B.A. (Maiduguri), M.A.,Ph.D. (Ilorin); PGDE (Ado-Ekiti)
History of Military Technology
R. OnagunLecturer I
NCE (Ilorin); B.A. (Ed.),M.A., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Social and Health/Medical History
A. A. SuleimanLecturer II
B. A., M. A., Dip. in Acc. & Data Processing, Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Cultural History/Intergroup Relations

B. Introduction

History is the science concerned with findings, gathering, structuring and passing on information about events in the past. On the one hand International Studies is designed to afford Master students the opportunity of understanding issues, and trends shaping international politics. It aims at objectively establishing a cause-effect explanation of the changes taking place in the global system in a chronological, and objective manner.

The study of History and International Studies helps us understand why the human society is the way it is today, why there are differences between societies and how people and society have evolved over time. A good understanding of the past leads to better decisions in the present and better planning for the future.

C Philosophy

The philosophy of the programme is anchored on assisting Master student‘s to develop critical and analytical skills. It trains them in the ways of evaluating evidence and encourages them to reflect on different modes of presenting information in print and electronic formats.

D Aim and Objectives

The programme aims to increase students‘ awareness of the nature of historical changes within the international arena and to deepen their understanding of the concept of both historical and contemporary periods. The objectives are to:

  1. develop a critical awareness of the relationship between current events and political, social, economic and cultural processes.
  2. introduce students to a wide range of historical sources and thoughts
  3. train and produce well-grounded graduates with advanced knowledge of international politics;meet the needs of numerous candidates who are desirous of developing their skills in diplomatic practice.
  4. prepare the students to assume leadership roles in the task of nation-building, teaching and research, administration and management as well as foreign affairs etc.

E Admission Requirements

  1. Candidates must have a minimum of five ‗O‘ Level Credit passes (including English Language, and History or Government) of WAEC/NECO/Senior School Certificates, N.C.E or Diploma from recognized Universities as special consideration(waiver)
  2. Candidates must possess a B.A. degree in History or History/Education with at least a Second Class Lower Division from a recognized university.
  3. B.A combined Honours in History and another subjects such as Political Science or  Sociology with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division.
  4. Candidates shall be subjected to a selection process with the exception of University of Ilorin graduates of History and International studies with at least Second Class Upper.

F Duration of Programme

  1. Full-time: The full-time programme shall run for a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of 24 months.
  2. Part-time: The part-time programme shall run for a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of 36 months

G Detailed Course Description

HIS 801International Politics in the 20th Century
The study of theoretical framework underpinning international politics. The workings of the contemporary international political system. Contemporary topics in 20th century international politics. Assessment of the major developments in the field of international relations45h (T); E.
3Credits
HIS 802Nation Building in Nigeria since 1960 4 Credits
 Concept of nationhood. A study of selected problems in building a unitedNigeria: Historical challenges relating to contiguity and coerced amalgamation (the so called ―mistake of 1914‖). Constitutional Issues. Military Intervention in politics. Political Party System. Democratisation. Ethnic nationalism. Agitations for self-determination and secession. Claims of marginalisation, political exclusion and minority question. Terrorism, banditry. Ethno-religious and regional tensions. Lack of national consciousness. Lack of viable institution-strengthening. Good governance. Restructuring, etc. Prospects of nationhood 60h (T);C.. 
HIS 803Trends in West Africa Historiography3 Credits
 Rational and motivation behind structured oral Traditions and historicalwriting about West Africa with a view to elucidating patterns of change in the pre-occupations of those concerned with presentations of the past.45h (T); C. 
HIS 804Theories of International Relations3 Credits
 An-depth review of the contending theories of international relations. Idealist and realist theories; system theory; integration theory; balance of power; decision making theory including, games etc. and their Contemporary relevance.30h (T); E 
HIS 805Technology, Arms Proliferation, Global Peace and Strategic Studies Examination basic concepts in the field of strategic studies. Super powers strategic contest. Issues in conventional warfare; nuclear programmes andweapons issues. Arms race; disarmament; non-conventional security issues; terrorism among other security challenges. The study will also capture related issues of the deployment of technology for peaceful and conflict purposes; light and small arms; Rivalry in nuclear energy and space technology; Bombs, Ballistic Missiles, Rockets and other military weaponry 30h (T); E2 Credits
 
  
HIS 806International RelationsAn-depth review of the contending theories of international relations. Idealist and realist theories; system theory; integration theory; balance of power; decision making theory including, games etc. and their contemporary relevance.45h (T); C3 Credits
HIS 807Economic History of West Africa 2 Credits
Advanced study of the interpretations and explanations put forward by historians of the changes in West African economic systems, referring principally to the 19th and 20th centuries.30h(T);C
HIS 808International Organisations3 Credits
 Historical evolution of international organisations from the 19th Century to the present day. Categorisation of international organisations. Selected Juridical problems of international organisation. Discussion of selected international organisations like: the League of Nations; the United Nations; the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and other non-governmental international organisations. The African State system.45h (T); C 
HIS 809The Niger Delta and the Nigerian State Since 1956The Niger Delta region as a region that holds Nigeria’s vast oil reserves. New geo-political importance in the context of global oil politics and security of the Gulf of Guinea. The region and the agony of recurring violent conflicts associated with the management of oil resources. On-going violence and uprising in the Niger Delta region since the mid-1990s. Effects on the economy and security of the Nigerian state. The remote and immediate causes of restiveness. The nature and dimensions of the crisis in region. Actions and responses of the Federal government of Nigeria as well as the international oil companies to grievances of the Niger Delta peoples over the years. Although primarily a study of post-colonial developments in the region, the colonial era provides the necessary background for the study.45h (T); E3Credits
HIS 810European Phenomenon 3 CreditsAn in-depth enquiry into the unique features of European society during the centuries when Europe first began to dominate the world. Basic socio-economic features of the Medieval Europe. Religion and state power in the acculturation of rural Europe. A palace coup against the established political and religious order. The Protestant Reformation. The role of Industrial Revolution in the emergence of modern Capitalism. The Scientific Revolution of the eighteenth century as foundation of the modern world. The Renaissance.45h (T); E.
HIS 811Contemporary global IssuesIssues of significant importance to the extant global system that includes: the sovereign debt crises; South-South cooperation; Uni- polarity; North-South relations; drug trafficking; among others and how these issues impact on state relationship.30h (T); E2 Credits
HIS 812Arab World Since 1948 A study of the major themes in the modern history of the Arab world Since thecreation of the state of Israel. A study of the major themes in the modern history of the Arab world Since the creation of the state of Israel. 45h (T); E.3Credits
  
HIS 813Capitalism, Communism and Modern Africa A study of the principal competing ideologies in relation to modern Africa. Polarization on of African countries and subjecting most of them to the whims andcaprices of their ideological allies. The impact of ideological on Africa. 45h (T); E.3Credits

HIS 814   History of Material Conditions and Progress in West Africa 3 Credits

The technological, medical, agrarian, artisan craft achievements of pre-colonial West Africa, methods of transmission of skills and the like. Impact of skills, styles values and technologies and the interaction between the old and the new in schools, in technical colleges and among the populace at large. Stress will be laid on questions of appropriateness and of historical and social contexts 45h (T); E.

HIS 815Graduate Seminar
Seminar to be delivered by each student on an approved topic by the Department. 90h (P); C.
2Credits
HIS 816Historical Sources and Methods
his course will discuss various forms of data used by historian; oral, archaeological, linguistic, and the various categories of written sources, methods of collection and the techniques which historians have employed to established model of past reality. Archival studies, documentations etc.60 (T); C.
4Credits
HIS 817Research Methods in International Studies
Analysis of current national and international issues in their historical context. Relevance of historical research approach in analysing the ways in which modern societies understand and shape their present in terms of their past. Analysis of historical and contemporary texts, discussion of ongoing debates in the evolution of the international relations theory.45h (T); E
3Credit
HIS 818Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons
This study focuses on the issues relating refugees and internally displaced persons in the society. Factors responsible and problems associated with res-settlement and rehabilitation. International laws to assist and protect refugees and internally displaced persons45h (T); E
3Credits
HIS 899Dissertation5Credits
 This is a quality work of research of more than 15,000 words. Topic to be decidedin consultation with the candidate‘s adviser and approved by the Department. 225h (P); C

H. Graduation Requirements

For a candidate to be awarded the Master‘s degree in History and International Studies degree, he/she is expected to have passed a minimum of twenty-six credits (26) core courses, and a minimum of (4 Credit Units) from the list of elective courses.

Core Courses = 26

Elective = 31

Total = 57

I Summary First Semester

Core courses: HIS 803 (3), HIS 807 (2), HIS 815 (2), HIS 899 (5) = 12

Elective courses: HIS 801 (3), HIS 805 (2), HIS 809 (3), HIS 811 (2), HIS 813 (3), HIS 817 (3)

= 16

Second Semester

Core Courses: HIS 802 (4), HIS 806 (3), HIS 808 (3), HIS 816 (4) = 14

Elective courses: HIS 804 (3), HIS 810 (3), HIS 812 (3), HIS 814 (3), HIS 818 (3) = 15

Total = 57 Credits