Introductory description

This module is about what international development means, how it comes about, and what kinds of life it makes possible.

The first half of the module (Weeks 1-10) will unpack the different ways in which 'development' has been theorised. In doing this, it provides a chronological overview of key intellectual interventions and how they responded to - and informed - 'real world' changes.

The second half (Weeks 11-20) will build upon this foundation to explore some of the central actors of international development, namely: international organisations, states, global corporations and civil society. It then considers how these actors influence the policies of international development in four areas: foreign aid, conditional cash transfers, microfinance and remittances.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

tbc

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• You should be familiar with the main theoretical debates and key substantive actors and issues central to the politics of development;
• You should be able to identify different development trajectories in particular parts of the world;
• You should be able to critically interrogate development policy and its underlying intellectual assumptions;
• You should be able to review existing literature on international development and conduct research-oriented investigations;
• You should be able to present your ideas in a coherent and rigorous manner through your written work.

Indicative reading list

tbc

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

You should be familiar with the main theoretical debates and key substantive actors and issues central to the politics of international development;
You should be able to identify different development trajectories in particular parts of the world;
You should be able to critically interrogate development policy and its underlying intellectual assumptions;
You should be able to review existing literature on international development and conduct research-oriented investigations;
You should be able to present your ideas in a coherent and rigorous manner – both verbally in seminars, and through your written work.

Transferable skills

The module provides students with opportunities to acquire or develop the following key skills:

Analytical skills
Independent and critical thinking
Cogent writing and considered dialogue
Intercultural awareness
Written and verbal communication skills
Skills in academic practice
Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity
Educational self-awareness skills
Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas