Introductory description

This module will give experience in applying different concepts and theoretical perspectives to practical issues and problems in gender and development, as a means of learning how to undertake rigorous analysis. It will include focused sessions on the research literatures, followed by group work analysing case studies from different regions of the globe. The specific case studies used illustrate current debates in the literature and address key issues in contemporary development practice.

Module web page

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.

Intro & Representation - -
Week 2 Women’s Empowerment, Participation & the Environment (rural & urban contrast)
Week 3 Disasters 1: The disaster Cycle and Rapid Onset Disasters
Week 4 Disasters 2: Health Crises and Slow Onset Disasters
Week 5 Political & Civic Leadership & Allyship
Week 6 Reading Week
Week 7 Conflict, Migration, Peacebuilding & Disability
Week 8 Accountability, NGO Governance & Leadership
Week 9 Human Rights, Safeguarding & Education
Week 10 Gender Analysis, Programming & Mainstreaming

Learning outcomes

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

• 1. Advanced and critical understanding of different conceptual frameworks on gender and development and their application to practice in different social contexts.
• 2. Advanced competence in applying different conceptual frameworks to specific case study examples of gender and development projects, policies and programmes.
• 3. Advanced analytical skills, in terms of selecting analytical tools and applying them to evidence.
• 4. Advanced written and oral communication skills.
• 5. Enhanced ability to work both independently and as part of a team in researching resource materials, analysing problems and preparing presentations.

Indicative reading list

Ariyabandu, Madhavi Malagoda and Maithree Wicramasinghe (2003) Gender Dimensions in Disaster Management: A Guide for South Asia, Colombo: ITDG South Asia
Beneria, Lourdes (2003) Gender, Development and Globalization: Economics as if all people mattered, New York, London: Routledge
Chakrabarti, P.G. Dhar and Elaine Enarson (Eds) (2009) Women, Gender and Disaster: Global Issues and Initiatives, Los Angeles: Sage
Cleaver, Frances (Ed.) (2002) Masculinities Matter!: Men, Gender and Development, London: Zed
Cornwall, Andrea, Elizabeth Harrison and Ann Whitehead (Eds) (2007) Feminisms in Development: Contradictions, Contestations & Challenges, London: Zed Books
Cornwall, Andrea, Jerker Edstrâaeom and Alan Greig (Eds) (2011) Men and development: politicizing masculinities, London ; New York : Zed Books
Eade, Deborah (Ed.) (2000) Development and Management: Experiences in value based conflict, Oxford: Oxfam and Open University
Goetz, Anne Marie (Ed.) (1997) Getting Institutions Right for Women in Development, London: Zed
Harcourt, Wendy (2009) Body politics in development: critical debates in gender and development, London; New York: Zed Books
Horrell, Sara, Hazel Johnson, Paul Mosley et al (2008) Work, Female Empowerment and Economic Development, London: Routledge
Jackson, Cecile & Pearson, Ruth (Eds.) (1998) Feminist Visions of Development: Gender analysis and policy, London: Routledge
Jahan, Rounaq (1995) The Elusive Agenda: Mainstreaming Women in Development, London: Zed
Kabeer, Naila & Subrahmanian, Ramya (Eds) (2000) Institutions, Relations & Outcomes: A framework and case studies for gender-aware planning, London: Zed
Pinkney, Robert (2009) NGOs, Africa and the Global Order, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Porter, Marilyn & Judd, Ellen (Eds.) (2000) Feminists Doing Development: A practical critique, London: Zed
Rai, Shirin (2008) The Gender Politics of Development: Essays in hope and despair, London, New York: Zed
Saunders, Kriemild (Ed.) (2002) Feminist Post-development Thought: Rethinking Modernity, Post-colonialism and Representation, London: Zed Books, Introduction
Smyth, Ines (2012) Gender-sensitive Response and Recovery: An Overview, Oxfam Programme Insights, Oxford: Oxfam
Wallace, Tina and Fenella Porter (Eds) (2013) Aid, NGOs and the Realities of Women’s Lives: A Perfect Storm, Rugby: Practical Action

Subject specific skills

a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of gender issues in international development
a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship, including the analysis of case studies
originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge
conceptual understanding that enables the student:

• • to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline, as well as as development agency proposals

Transferable skills

 ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level

the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:

• • the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
• • decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
• • the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development