RDS-31806 Theory and Practice of Development

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Sufficient social science background at BSc/BA or equivalent level.

Continuation courses:

MID programme

Contents:

This course is meant for those students who are starting the MID programme, and who have no background in development studies. Lectures (2 x 2 hours per week) provide an introduction to the different developmental issues addressed in the study of International Development at the Department of Social Sciences. Students are familiarized with theoretical approaches and practices of international development on the basis of three selected case studies. Common to these case studies are the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the globalisation of consumption and production, environmental change, power and equity issues, and the search for alternative developments.
In addition to the lectures there are weekly workshops of three hours each. Every two weeks a specific case is being discussed with the help of additional literature.
Case 1 presents a sociological analysis of collective action and networks: the wine routes in Tuscany. It addresses one of the key issues in rural development, collective action at the local level and the capacity to create networks beyond that level. How do individual farmers create this synergy of 'the wine route'? Notions and practices of livelihood diversification, power, and agritourism are critically dealt with from different theoretical perspectives (Latour, Castells, Ellis).
Case 2 focuses on tailor-made biotechnologies for endogenous developments. Agro-industrial biotechnologies do not necessarily go hand in hand with increased homogenization and concentration of transnational economic and political power. International networks of expertise are looking for possibilities to modify agro-industrial biotechnologies into tailor-made biotechnologies attuned to the needs and conditions of resource-poor households, especially in developing countries. This demands new knowledge and networks.
Case 3 is about the Kyoto Protocol and developing countries: the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The CDM is a mechanism which allows industrialised countries to meet their obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through projects in developing countries. It is meant to produce cost-effective greenhouse gas emmission reductions and sustainable development in the host countries. These goals are not easily achieved. The case of CDM implementation in Costa Rica gives many insights in to the potentials of the CDM in terms of economic attractiviness, environmental integrity, local sustainable development and fairness between the North and the South.

Aims:

Students starting the MID programme who need an upgrading of their knowledge on international development will be taught:
- The most relevant themes and approaches to international development;
- To recognize the different approaches and related concepts in theories and practices of international development;
- To be able to critically compare the different approaches, and assess their value for studying particular developmental problems and contributing to their solution;
- To be able to relate their individual research interests to particular approaches and methodologies, in order to select a relevant study path from the consecutive courses available in the MID programme.

Activities:

In addition to the 2 x 2 lecture hours per week, a problem oriented workshop of 3 hours per week is being organised. Three case studies will be analysed and discussed in detail. Each case takes two workshops/weeks. Each case is being elaborated by a member of staff who is closest to the approach used in the case study, and commented upon by proponent of another approach. Students are taught how to identify themes and approaches, with the help of additional literature (syllabus). The course finishes with a debate organised by the students.

Examination:

A written examination.

Literature:

- Allen, T. and A. Thomas eds. 2000 "Poverty and Development into the 21st Century". Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- J. Martinussen 1999 (2nd edition), "Society, State and Market. A guide to competing theories of development". London: Zed Books.
- Syllabus, at the start of the course.