RSO-34306 Theorizing Development: Implications for Research

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

SDC-36306 Perspectives and Themes in International Development Studies; SDC-30306 Sociological and Anthropological Perspectives on Development or a comparable course

Continuation courses:

SDC-32806 Sociology in Development: Towards a Critical Perspective

Contents:

This course is the first of three consecutive courses in the specialization Sociology of Development of the Master International Development Studies. The course Theorizing Development: Implications for Research focuses on how scientific writing and research on inequality, marginalization and unsustainability are shaped by wider theoretical trends and traditions. A core question in this course, therefore, is how the choice of a theoretical perspective informs and influences the framing of development research. Students following this course will be provided with the analytical skills necessary to critically analyse important issues in development studies and to understand how theory resonates in problem definition, research strategies and questions, reporting and solution formulation. In other words, we do not just discuss and critically engage various sociological and anthropological perspectives, but put them in the wider perspective of dilemmas in social theory and discuss the implications for research framing.

Learning outcomes:

Students following this course will be provided with the theoretical skills necessary to critically analyse important issues in development studies and to understand how theory resonates in research set-up and reporting. After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand the significance of meta-theoretical debates in relation to development;
- explain how sociological and anthropological research programs are informed by theoretical assumptions in relation to major dilemmas in social theory;
- question problem definition and research strategies in contemporary sociological and anthropological research;
- assess differences and similarities between main contemporary theories in development in terms of themes (substance) and approaches (method);
- appraise the consequences of theoretical choices for development practices and interventions.

Activities:

- lectures;
- tutorials;
- group assignments;
- concluding discussion & feedback sessions.

Examination:

- group assignments (50%);
- written exam (50%).
Each component needs a minimum mark of 5.5 to pass.

Literature:

Will be available through Blackboard.