Postgraduate Course: Politics and Theories of International Development (PGSP11240)
Course Outline
School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
Summary | Development has been primarily concerned with the economic transformation of countries considered to be less advanced than others. International development as we now know it emerged in the post-World War Two era, drawing on economic development theories from the 18th century onwards. Over time, however, international development has taken on new dimensions, encompassing social and political, as well as economic, transformation. Development is a profoundly political process, shaped by and shaping social actors and political institutions at local, national, regional and global levels.
This course explores the politics and theories of development by analysing the dominant and alternative social scientific theories that seek to explain development outcomes, and the actors and institutions involved. It offers an introduction, overview and critical analysis of the forces shaping international development. |
Course description |
Outline Content:
Week 1: Introduction: The Problem of Development
Week 2: Catch-up Theories and Modernisation
Week 3: Underdevelopment Theories
Week 4: Neoliberalism
Week 5: Developmental States
Week 6: Sustainable Development
Week 7: Poverty
Week 8: Feminist and Postcolonial Alternatives
Week 9: Rights-Based Approaches
Week 10: What Next for Development?
Student Learning Experience:
Weekly lectures (60 min) are followed by viewing of audio-visual materials and discussion activities (50 min). Students also meet for a 50-min. weekly tutorial. These groups will run in several time slots during the week. In week one, students will be assigned specific tutorial slots. Students will gain familiarity with the major cultural, economic and political theories of development and underdevelopment.
The course will enable them to analyse the theory and practice of development in an informed and critical manner. It will promote an understanding of the diversity and complexity of interactions amongst political, economic and social actors involved in development. Doing the required readings and being actively involved in the course discussions and tutorials are essential components of the course learning experience.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites | None |
High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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Academic year 2021/22, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 161 |
Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 10,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
176 )
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Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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Additional Information (Assessment) |
The course is assessed by:
1) short essay (1,000 words) for submission in week 6, on a question of the student's choice weighted at 20%.
AND
2) Long essay (3,000 words), weighted 80% due at the end of the course |
Feedback |
Not entered |
No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- familiarize themselves with the major theories of development and underdevelopment.
- situate those theories and understand them in light of the political economic contexts out of which they emerged.
- understand the ways in which theory is connected to policy and practice as well as the challenges of working in the field of international development.
- effectively analyse the theory and practice of development.
- complexity of interactions gain an understanding of the diversity and comamongst political, economic and social actors involved in development.
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Reading List
Recommended Texts (most available on reserve/short loan from the HUB, Books marked 'E' also available as an e-book)
Chambers, R. (2005) Ideas for Development. London: Earthscan.
Crush, J. (ed.) (1995) Power of Development [HD82 Pow] E
Hettne, B. (1995) Development theory and the three worlds : towards an international political economy of development, 2nd edition [HD75 Het]
McMichael, P. (2008) Development and Social Change 2nd edition [HC79.E44 Macm] 5th edition available
Nederveen Pieterse J. (2001) Development Theory.
Deconstructions/Reconstructions [HD75 Ned] E There is a 2nd edition available
Payne, A. and N. Philips (2010) Development [HD75 Pay]
Peet, R. and E. Hartwick (2009) Theories of Development. Contentions, Arguments, Alternatives [HD75 Pee]
Rapley, J. (1996) Understanding Development, [HC59.7 Rap] There is a 3rd edition available
Rist, G. (1997, 2002, 2008) The History of Development: from Western Origins to Global Faith [HD78 Ris] E
Useful ¿Readers¿ on Development (short overviews of core topics, authors, thinkers)
Clark, D.A. (ed.) (2006) The Elgar Companion to Development Studies [HD 75 Elg]
Corbridge, S. (ed.) (1995) Development Studies. A Reader [HD 75 Dev]
Desai, V. and R.B. Potter (ed.) (2002) The Companion to Development Studies [HD 82 Com]
Simon, D. (2005) Fifty Key Thinkers on Development [HD87.55 Fif] E
Key Journals (all available electronically)
Development and Change
Development Policy Review
Journal of Development Studies
Journal of International Development
Oxford Development Studies
Review of African Political Economy
Studies in Comparative International Development
Third World Quarterly
World Development
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Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
Course organiser | Dr Mohammad Amir Anwar
Tel: (0131 6)51 1731
Email: mohammad.anwar@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Teri Beveridge
Tel: (0131 6)51 3244
Email: tbeveri2@ed.ac.uk |
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