Department of Economics & International Development, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EC50063 Policy theory & the politics of developing countries |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To establish the political theoretical frameworks necessary for the analysis of policy and then to introduce the wider concepts, ideas and questions that are fundamental to the study of politics in developing countries.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the units students should: * have a critical understanding of key concepts from political science necessary for the analysis of policy, both in general and in relation to development policy; * be critically aware of the range of 'actors' in the policy process and place them in theoretical context; * have a critical understanding of the way Western political theory has been applied to developing countries; * show an understanding of basic conceptualisations of democracy, state, nationalism that had their origins in the West but are used to evaluate the politics of developing countries. Skills: Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (e.g. essays) (Taught/Facilitated/Assessed). Ability to select, summarise and synthesis written information from multiple sources (T/F/A). Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (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: Part 1: Politics and policy analysis; Theories of the state; Theories of power; Organisations and Institutions; Street-level bureaucrats; Organised interests and civil society: Part 2: The politics of studying the politics of developing countries; The state of the Third World State; The problem of democratisation, problematising democracy; Contesting the Nation; contesting Nationalisms; Conceptualising politics; Politicising concepts. |