2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED2211 Development and Social Change

20 creditsClass Size: 90

Module manager: Dr Gordon Crawford
Email: G.Crawford@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

Module replaces

PIED2210

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Neo-liberal globalisation is the current mainstream approach to issues of international development, its hegemony suggesting that 'there is no alternative' (TINA). This module challenges such thinking and explores the alternatives that insist that 'another world is possible'. It does so partly by a historical examination of how mainstream, moderate and radical approaches to international development have evolved and changed over the past half century, analysing their respective strengths and limitations. What is their enduring value and how have they influenced contemporary challenges to neo-liberal globalisation? Alternative approaches that focus on gender analysis, on participatory development and on the radical critique of post-development are all examined, as well as the role of social movements in contemporary social change. Various approaches are illustrated by reference to country and regional case-studies, with coverage including Brazil, Kerala in India, Africa and East Asia. Seminars discussions include structural adjustment and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) in Africa, the developmental state in East Asia, the landless workers' movement in Brazil, with a debate on the recent Africa Commission Report.For further information see the School of Politics and International Studies website. If you cannot find the answer to your question then email G.Crawford@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will:
- have gained an understanding of a range of theories of development and their roots in different disciplinary and inter-disciplinary perspectives;
- be able to use analytical and critical reasoning skills to review competing theories;
- be able to assess the contribution of different theoretical perspectives to our understanding of how global development can be achieved;
- be able to apply theories and methods of analysis to current issues and debates.

Syllabus

The main theoretical perspectives informing the study of global development will be examined through an historical review which sketches the rise (and fall) of competing theories in the past half century. Topics to be explored include: theories of economic growth and development, with a focus on structuralist and neo-liberal views; competing sociological perspectives on social change, including modernisation, dependency and post-development theories; the challenges to traditional perspectives associated with feminist and participatory approaches. Competing perspectives on globalisation and development are also examined. A review of development strategies, as implied by different theoretical approaches, explores the respective roles of the state, the market and civil society.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

3 hours spent reading for each lecture and seminar and the remainder spent in research, reading and preparation of seminar presentation, non-assessed essay and exam.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Seminar presentations and participation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3,000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/04/2009

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