Description

Course Objectives

This course accords students an opportunity to examine development processes, interventions, theories, policies and government structures in the global arena. It is expected that the student, after having completed the course, will be able to:

• Better understand a number of salient issues in the developing world.
• Be able to apply concepts learned in class to the analysis of important issues in development studies.

The course is structured around some key questions including:

• What does “development” mean and does it mean different things to different peoples and cultures?
• How has the historical experience of development influenced theories of development?
• What is the role of the state in development? Has this changed over time and why?
• What role do international development organizations play in development?
• Why are non-governmental organizations (NGOs) increasingly important development actors? What are the limits on the NGO role in development?
• How and why does being a woman change your life-chances and roles in the developing world?
• How and why does being an indigenous person change your life-chances and roles in the developing world?
• Is foreign aid effective?
• What is sustainable development and how can it be achieved?

Course Content

• Introduction to International Development Studies
• What is Development?
• Theories of Development?
• Gender & Development
• The State and Development
• Foreign Aid and Sustainable Development Goals
• Free trade & Fair Trade
• Environment and Development
• Sustainable Development

Assignments

In order to demonstrate their understanding of the course content, students will be required to submit three assignments.

Training format:

All materials are made available through our online learning platform

Language: English and French