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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2010/11


SP50224: International development: towards synthesis

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters
Click here for further information Period: This unit is available in...
Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further informationSupplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take SP50228
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To provide students with the opportunity to identify the links between different perspectives on development; to enable them to develop a coherent multidisciplinary framework for analysing development issues.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit students should have a clearer, more integrated and comprehensive grasp of core issues in development studies, based on a critical understanding of its disciplinary foundations in economics, politics, anthropology, sociology and policy analysis.

Skills:
Cross-cultural and interpersonal sensitivity (Taught/Facilitated/Assessed). Concise, time-bound and effective written communication (e.g. briefings / exams) (T/F/A). Ability to select, summarise and synthesis written information from multiple sources (T/F). Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (T/F/A). Ability to synthesise multidisciplinary perspectives on the same problem (T/F/A). Ability to select and use appropriate ideas to produce a coherent response to a pre-set question (T/F/A). Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (T/F/A). Ability to work independently, without close supervision or guidance (T/F/A).

Content:
A review of the relationships between economic, social and political contributions to understanding individual identity, interpersonal (including gender) relationships; household and livelihood profiles, collective action, the role of the state and international relations. Reflection on the relationship between different philosophical and ideological approaches to the analysis of development problems. An opportunity for students themselves to construct a framework that links together all the units offered under the Certificate stage of Masters in International Development.
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.