PPR222: Politics of Development

Tutors: Ngai-Ling Sum (Michaelmas) and Julie Hearn (Lent)
Terms: Michaelmas and Lent

Course Description

This course introduces students to the main approaches to development. It provides students with an overview of the main theoretical approaches, especially modernisation theory, World Systems Analysis, feminist theories, and postcolonialism. It relates these theories to issues and case studies from the South, including the debt question, the impact of globalisation, global governance, corporate social responsibility, poverty and inequality, social movements and the activities of NGOs.

The course comprises two interrelated parts. The first term deals with the main theoretical approaches to development. The second term pursues the links between the conceptual issues raised in term one and connects them to global- and national-focused perspectives on the politics of development. These perspectives are illustrated by examples and cases drawn from Africa and Latin America.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Outline and analyze the different theoretical conceptions of 'development'.
• Understand and examine the impact of globalization upon developing countries and its unevenness.
• Understand and examine the roles of international organizations, multinational corporations, and non-government organizations upon North-South relations.
• Apply these issues to casesandregions(e.g.,Asia,Latin America and Africa) in the development of North-South relations.
• Develop the capacity to think creatively about how to assess questions of national development, globalization and north-south relations.

Assessment

40% coursework and 60% exam.
Coursework: 2 essays of 2500 words each. Exam: 3 hours.

Teaching Method

Lecture (1 hour) and Workshop (1 hour) weekly.

Introductory Reading

Cammack P et al. Third World Politics (2nd edition)

Elson D Male Bias in the Development Process

Escobar A Encountering Development: the Making and Unmaking of the Third World

Hoogvelt A Globalisation and the Postcolonial World (2 nd edition)

McMichael P Development and Change: A Global Perspective (2nd edition)

Peet R Theories of Development

Schuurman F (ed) Beyond the Impasse: New Directions in Development Theory

Slater David Geopolitics and the Post-Colonial: Rethinking North-South Relations

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