Introductory description

Within the broad field of ‘social science’ International Development has been the concern of anthropologists, economists, lawyers, political scientists and sociologists for many decades now. As practice, development agencies and institutions have sought to impose some discipline on this ever-expanding area of research by focusing on economic growth, sustainability or capability enhancement. Globalisation has fundamentally altered the context of development and we need to understand it how and in what ways this new context poses challenges for development. One of the ways in which globalisation and development are speaking to each other is through the reconstitution of governance mechanisms and processes, which are then provoking new theoretical debates, research trajectories and development agendas.

Theoretical work and empirical work are not separate exercises. Practical problems stimulate theory construction, and theories inform the ways that we handle substantive issues. Theory that lacks bearing on practice is irrelevant. Action that lacks theoretical clarity and coherence is confused and ineffective. This module explores key issues, approaches and skills for International Development Policy and Practice. In doing so we consider some of the prominent substantive items on the policy agenda of development institutions and agencies, as well as other civil society actors.

No study of International Development can be comprehensive or uncontested. Although we will examine the major approaches and problems, our coverage cannot be exhaustive. Nor is the selection and treatment of issues, approaches and skills ‘unbiased’. It reflects the state of the field at the present time, the specific analysis and preferences of the module tutor as well as of the students, whose work is central to the delivery of the module. However, this module will provide a sound basis for professional development in the International Development field.

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.

Week 1 Poverty – measuring poverty
Week 2 Trade – global value chain analysis
Week 3 Food – policy pitch on food security
Week 4 Climate change – participatory approaches
Week 5 Gender mainstreaming – gender analysis and frameworks
Week 6 READING WEEK
Week 7 Project cycle management
Week 8 Alternative state models
Week 9 Alternative global and regional architecture
Week 10 Development masterclass workshop – invited speaker

Learning outcomes

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

• to assess the policy, practice, outcome nexus in International Development
• to draw links between academic political analysis and policy practice
• to develop sophisticated arguments in written form
• to develop some core skills helpful for professional development in the International Development field
• to undertake self-directed learning and study

Indicative reading list

The existing PO901 reading list (see above) will be complemented by relevant policy documents and monitoring and evaluation guidelines.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

The assessment will involve a research essay, which will require students to use a variety of primary and secondary sources

Interdisciplinary

The field of international development and its study are interdisciplinary in their nature and evolution and this will be the focus of many of the discussions during the module. Throughout the module the readings list and sources used will explicitly draw on insights from different disciplines (law, anthropology, political science, economics)

International

The module attracts an international student body with its focus on global issues of international development.

Subject specific skills

1. Connecting theories of international development to policies and practices of International Development
2. Knowledge of the evolution of the policy and practice of the field of International Development and the key actors and events
3. Knowledge of the key issues approaches and skills in the field of International Development
4. Ability to critically assess and evaluate International Development Policies

Transferable skills

1. Written communication skills
2. Oral communication skills
3. Detailed critical analysis skills
4. Skills in the interpretation of primary and secondary sources
5. Independent research skills
6. Application of learning to case studies
7. Summarising large bodies of work to highlight key points
8. Implications of policy developments for theory and practice