RDS-33806 Policy, Projects and Programs for Development

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

The course integrates economic and sociological perspectives on development policies, projects and programmes both in rural and urban contexts. It starts with a discussion of the institutional and political contexts in which policies, projects and programmes are designed and implemented. After a general overview of the history of development policy a number of relevant topics are discussed, such as the role of NGO's in development, urban upgrading schemes, participation for development, comprehensive instruments for project design and evaluation, and project impact assessment methodologies. The course includes a series of tutorials touching on the following topics: the dynamics of policy making in donor institutions, participatory budgeting in Brazil, the set up of forestry and fishery programmes, and gender and participation. Critical views on planned development interventions are presented during the last weeks of the course.

Learning outcomes:

- students are able to appraise current discussions on development policy in the light of larger trends in development practice and thinking;
- students are able to analyse the relationship between policy, programmes and projects;
- students are able to apply a series of planning and evaluation methodologies;
- students acquire the basic skills needed to write a project appraisal;
- students develop a degree of expertise in one major aspect of development planning through the writing of a paper (see topics of tutorials);
- students are able to think critically about the hidden consequences of development interventions.

Activities:

There are three weekly sessions of 2 course hours. Twice a week lectures are given on particular aspects of development planning. Once a week case studies are discussed on defined topics relating to projects and programmes. The course is finalised with a project appraisal exercise. As this course is prepared at MSc level, active participation of the student is expected. Students are requested to read the lecture material in advance.

Examination:

Task assignments will be made for the case studies. In addition there will be a written exam.

Literature:

A syllabus will be available before the start of the course, at the secretariat of Rural Development Sociology, The Leeuwenborch.