Discourses of Global Development

The course explores how ideas of development and sustainability have been mobilised in different discourses driving societal change. It introduces multiple theories and concepts of development that have emerged over time and links them to contemporary issues like poverty, inequality, and sustainability. It also discusses the roles of different actors across levels in shaping development discourses and societal change. The course leverages a diverse array of practical and empirical insights, drawing on the expertise of lecturers from multiple fields of study.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

• are able to identify different discourses of development from diverse fields of academic thought. They know the theoretical underpinnings of these discourses and have a deep understanding of their links to issues like poverty, inequality, and sustainability.
• are able to examine how power structures and historical inequalities have shaped global development and globalisation discourses, with attention to the dominance of certain perspectives over others and the impact of these biases on contemporary development challenges.

Skills:

• have acquired the ability to articulate key theories and to conduct analysis of ongoing development challenges. They will also be able to communicate these analyses in writing and dialogue.

General competence:

• The course provides basic competence for candidates to work in research fields, international organisations, companies, diplomacy, and aid agencies.

Up to 23 hours of lectures and seminars plus readings and assignment. Compulsory assignments and examinations must be completed in English. Exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis in consultation with the lecturer responsible for the course.