Course code EDS305

EDS305 Development Theory and Politics

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Showing course contents for the educational year 2022 - 2023 .

Course responsible: John Andrew Mcneish
Teachers: Poul Wisborg, Poul Wisborg, Ruth Haug, Poul Wisborg, Ruth Haug, Darley Jose Kjosavik
ECTS credits: 10
Faculty: Faculty of Landscape and Society
Teaching language: EN
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
Teaching exam periods:
This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel, .
Course frequency: Annually (autumn parallel)
First time: Study year 2011-2012
Preferential right:
M-GDS
Course contents:
Selected theory, critique, and methods associated with (i) classical development perspectives, (ii) rights based development, (iii) sustainable development (iv) decolonisation (v) good governance and (vi) current trends.
Learning outcome:

The course gives an introduction to Development Studies as an interdisciplinary and problem oriented study of social, political, economic and environmental dimensions of societal change. The emphasis is on development theory and policy.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge:
    • Knowledge about the major themes within development theory and policy
    • Knowledge about important topics within development theory and policy in practice, and the link between theory and empirical example
  • Skills:
    • Strengthen skills using theories and concepts in critical discussion and analysis of development policy issues.
    • Working in interdisciplinary teams
    • Searching, managing and sharing information
    • Presenting and debating themes in development policy
    • Writing as a means of learning
  • General knowledge:
    • Awareness of values and normative approaches in development including considering cultural diversity and human rights.
Learning activities:
The course employs a problem-oriented approach to development policy. Learning builds on active participation and interaction between course participants and teachers to enable sharing of diverse experiences and academic insights. Major learning methods are (i) lectures, (ii) searching for, and applying, information, (iii) self-directed work and individual writing, (iv) group work, (v) presentations and discussion in class.
Teaching support:

The course coordinator and teachers are responsible for literature, implementation and guidance on group and individual assignments participants will receive oral or written feedback on group presentations and on their individual writing (once). Teachers will give lectures and provide additional guidance within their subject area upon appointment, and will make valuable use of their own research to give the students deeper insights into special topics of interest.

The NMBU Library staff will assist with information search and management. Guest lecturers will address special topics. Students are also encouraged to use the NMBU Writing Centre to help with writing assignments.

Syllabus:
A final list of recommended reading, including articles, text books or text book chapters, will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Prerequisites:
BSc/BA or equivalent.
Recommended prerequisites:
The course is interdisciplinary, but basic knowledge of social science is recommended. A certain basic knowledge of development studies and/ or development theory is recommended, but not a prerequisite.
Mandatory activity:
Attendance at seminars is compulsory.
Assessment:

Portfolio Evaluation: 

The content in the portfolio is evaluated in its entirety and given a mark.

There is feedback underway- but not in the form of a mark.

The portfolio is made up of: 3 assignments

  • Videoblog (20%)
  • Participation in a student led seminar (20%)
  • Essay (60%)

Complaints can only be made regarding the sum of these, and all written parts can be evaluated again.

Letter grades (A-F) are based on three compulsory assignments. All four assignments are given equal weight in the final course grade. Assignments can vary between written tests, presentations in class, and home assignments. Written and oral responses to assignments must be given in English.

Nominal workload:
250 hours
Entrance requirements:
Relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent
Reduction of credits:
-
Type of course:
3x2 hours with lectures/seminars per week.
Note:
-
Examiner:
An external examiner will assent to the evaluation scheme.
Examination details: Portfolio: Letter grades