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SP50325: History and theory of international development

[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Credits: 12 [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 240
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Article Review (CW 10%)
  • Case Study (CW 60%)
  • Group Presentation (CW 30%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Aims:
* To provide a comprehensive introduction to the historical emergence and evolution of International Development as a project;
* To provide an in-depth and critical understanding of the core theoretical frameworks which underpin development thinking and practice in a cross-cultural perspective;
* To critically evaluate the different conceptualisations and meanings of international development as they have emerged historically;
* To critically examine the policy implications of the theories of international development for people and planet.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit students will have:
* Demonstrated critical understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of international development;
* Demonstrated critical understanding of how different conceptualisations and meanings of international development bear on policy and practice;
* Demonstrated critical understanding of the dynamics interaction between historical processes and theoretical frameworks in contemporary development contexts.

Skills:
* Ability to read and discuss critically key texts (Taught/Facilitated).
* Ability to integrate theory with discussion of practical cases (T/F/A).
* Ability to stimulate discussion within a seminar group (T/F).
* Cross-cultural and interpersonal sensitivity (T/F).
* Effective oral communication (e.g. seminar presentations) (T/F).
* Ability to select, summarise & synthesise written information from multiple sources (T/F/A).
* Ability to produce effective written work to agreed specifications and deadlines (T/F/A).
* Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (T/F/A).
* Ability to work effectively as part of a group or team (T/F).

Content: The unit will cover the main approaches and theories which have underpinned international development since the 1950s. These include:
* Modernisation and state planning;
* Neo-liberalism and globalisation;
* Social development;
* Gender;
* Participation and community-based development;
* Human rights and human development;
* Humanitarianism;
* Conflict and the securitization of development;
* Wellbeing;
* Sustainable development;
* Post-development and alternatives to development.

Programme availability:

SP50325 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • THSP-AFM19 : MSc International Development
  • THSP-AWM19 : MSc International Development
  • THSP-APM19 : MSc International Development
  • THSP-AFM22 : MSc International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability
  • THSP-AWM22 : MSc International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability
  • THSP-APM22 : MSc International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability
  • THSP-AFM20 : MSc International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action
  • THSP-AWM20 : MSc International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action
  • THSP-APM20 : MSc International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action
  • THSP-AFM21 : MSc International Development with Economics
  • THSP-AWM21 : MSc International Development with Economics
  • THSP-APM21 : MSc International Development with Economics

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.