Department of Economics & International Development, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EC50177 Wellbeing & human development 1: concepts, measurement & policy |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES90PR10 |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To introduce the concept of wellbeing and its evolution in history with particular reference to the 'good human life' and 'happiness'.
To explore the subjective and objective components of human wellbeing. To relate the concept of wellbeing to the different disciplinary perspectives of social science. To evaluate the linkages between the understanding of wellbeing and different cultural contexts. To identify the ways in which different conceptualisations of wellbeing impact on public (and development) policy. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, students should be able to: * have a clear understanding of different conceptualizations of human wellbeing across history; * critically evaluate these concepts in relation to different social science disciplinary perspectives; * show a critical awareness of how these concepts are understood across different cultural contexts; * identify and evaluate the ways in which concepts of wellbeing have influenced public policy. Students will also be better able to frame original arguments and acquire skills of synthesising and comparing information from different disciplines. They will also improve their ability to communicate these ideas to an audience. Skills: Cross-cultural and interpersonal sensitivity (Taught/Facilitated) Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (e.g. essays) (T/F/Assessed) Effective oral communication (e.g. seminar presentations) (T/F/A) Ability to select, summarise and synthesis written information from multiple sources (T/F/A) Ability to synthesise multidisciplinary perspectives on the same problem (T/F/A) Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (T/F/A) Concise, time-bound and effective written communication (T/F/Assessed) 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/A). Content: Part 1: Introduction to Wellbeing and Human Development Part 2: Objective Conceptions of Wellbeing * to cover human needs / resources / opportunities/ capabilities and functionings Part 3: Subjective Conceptions of Wellbeing * Psychological need fulfilment; Personality, core affect and emotions; Values and aspirations; Adaptation and Resilience; socialised understanding of relationship between objective and subjective dimensions Part 4: Wellbeing and Culture * Subjective wellbeing across cultures; Cross-cultural interpretations of objective wellbeing; relation of universal to local conceptions Part 5: Wellbeing and Public Policy * Wellbeing assessment and measurement; from concept to action; Sen's Capability Approach and Human Development; the pursuit of happiness as political goal; Which political action for what wellbeing? |