This module encourages critical engagement with the theories and ideas underpinning development interventions and the relationship between theory and realities. It begins with a critical review of the development debates both historical and contemporary. By analysing different theories of development and how they have shaped the debates around development this module offers a nuanced understanding of developmentalism. You will be introduced to the evolution of the theories and ideas underpinning development interventions, encouraging you to develop a critical understanding of development theories and how to contextualise them. The module discusses political economy of development, alternatives to development, postcolonial and feminist critiques of development, framework of racial capitalism in the context of development, politics of aid and political ecology theories in relation to development.

You will be introduced to the evolution of the theories and ideas underpinning development interventions, encouraging you to develop a critical understanding of development theories and the historical circumstances in which they were produced as well as their strategic implications as a general framework and contextualisation to the more specific and applied discussions on development administration and planning found in other components of the MSc DAP course.

The module takes place across Terms 1 and 2 and represents 300 hours of student learning time, which includes lectures, seminars, private reading and discussion/group work. The assessment of the module is divided into assignments and group works.  

 

By the end of this module you will have:

· an in-depth knowledge of key concepts, the historical evolution of development paradigms and current debates on development theory;

· an understanding of the relation between development theories and development policy since the mid-20th century, with particular emphasis on current debates

· a critical understanding of the political economy of development and politics of aid, the policy process, the actors involved in it and the implications of specific policy approaches for developing country economies and social structures;

 