Overview
In a constantly evolving global context how does the political economy approach broaden the focus of development programs and policies? Political economy approach is guided by the questions of who owns what, does what, who gets what, what do they do with it, and what do they do to each other. Applying this approach to issues of development is very useful since it brings our focus to historical structures and institutional relationships in trying to change concrete conditions and to the contexts of development. This course thus uses the conceptual lens of political economy to provide a broad overview of the historical evolution of the dynamic and contested concept of development, its theoretical study, and its application in the domestic and international policy spheres.
Through a set of interrelated readings, commentaries, and interactive assignments, the course is designed to help the student achieve a more sophisticated understanding of the theories and practices of development; contrast the non-reductive multi-disciplinary focus of this course to the mainstream approach of development economics through a focused literature review; and develop original thoughts and ideas based upon available evidence and scholarship.
Outline
The course consists of the following six units:
- Unit 1: Introduction to Development Studies: Theory and Practice
- Unit 2: A Long View of Economic History: Putting “Development” (and the Lack of It) Into Perspective
- Unit 3: Development as a Domestic Policy Objective: The Role of the State
- Unit 4: International Development Aid: Then and Now
- Unit 5: Development and Economic Globalization: The Enforcers and The Resisters
- Unit 6: Challenges of “Development” in the Twenty-First Century: Inequality, iCapitalism, and Climate Change
Evaluation
Your final grade in this course will be based on the marks you achieve on two essay assignments.
Activity | Weight |
Essay 1 | 40% |
Essay 2 | 60% |
Total | 100% |
To obtain credit for GLST 695, you must achieve a grade of at least 50% on both essay assignments. Students who do not receive a passing grade may request a rewrite within the contract period.
Materials
All course materials are entirely online and include course information, a study guide, a digital reading room (DRR), and links to articles and videos.