Description
The course reviews the nature and extent of development theory, practice and policy over the past 70 years (mid-20th century onwards), with case studies largely focused on the Global South.
The course aims to provide a broad awareness and understanding of the key theories and policy debates which inform humanitarian development ideas and practices, as well as the empirical context of different regions of the world.
The course encourages critical thinking and wide reading.
The course starts with four weeks of foundational topics: introduction to development theories (e.g. modernisation theory; dependency theory; post-colonial and post-development theory), understandings and measurements of poverty and well-being, and key institutions involved in formulating and implementing development policy. The next 5 weeks cover key themes concerning current development policy debates (e.g. participatory approaches, migration, gender, urbanisation, enterprise-led development). Each lecture aims to combine theoretical reflection with regional case studies to set these theoretical and empirical topics in context.
The course delivery will combineÌýsynchronous teaching, class discussion, and someÌýasynchronous formative activities.ÌýÌýEach week will include a lecture and a short formative task associated with the readings and lecture material. In addition, 4 discussion-based seminars are usually held during the term to complement the lecture content and give students a chance to engage in class discussion and debate. This will help students engage with the readings and key concepts of the course. The seminars are a crucial form of preparation for the summative assessment.
There are no pre-requisites. This course will introduce mostly new material to students (though it will build on some aspects of GEOG0015 Global Events and GEOG0007 Human Ecology).
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
Ìý