Taught Masters Modules: POL6870 - The Politics of Development

Level: MA
Credits: 30

Module Leader: Professor Graham Harrison 

Description

This module focuses on the themes and issues that define contemporary development practice. The module will introduce students to the controversies that have been generated by discussions and debates about development, giving special attention to issues of power and contestation. The first part of the module looks at theories of development; the second looks at development politics and practice.

Objectives

This module aims to provide an advanced level of understanding of the main theories of development. By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the kinds of development programmes that have been attempted in post-colonial societies, specific country case studies which have undertaken distinctive programmes of social change.
• Apply conceptual tools to evaluate critically development thinking and policy; identify the theoretical and normative premises behind development programmes, locating them in a historical context, and utilising a comparative method, employ a detailed knowledge of case studies to understand contemporary situations and events.
• Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including ability to evaluate advanced concepts and theories, to employ primary and secondary sources, to present reasoned and effective arguments in written and oral form, to make individual and group presentations, to pursue independent learning and to show critical judgement.

Assessment

• First Essay: 40%
• Second Essay: 60%