RDS-31806 Theory and Practice of Development

Course

Credits 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 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 development 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. Important topics covered include 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 during which a specific case is discussed with the help of additional literature.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- recall the most relevant themes to international development;
- describe and clarify the main theories of international development;
- describe and distinguish between the different practices used to bring about development;
- critically assess the value of the main theories of international development for the resolution of complex societal problems;
- choose particular theoretical approaches to develop individual research interests related to international development.

Activities:

Lectures, workshops.

Examination:

A written examination.

Literature:

A reader is available on the EDUweb site of the course.