Course

EDS305 Development Theory and Politics

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:John Andrew McNeish, Espen Olav Sjaastad

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Limits of class size:50

Course frequency:Annually (autumn parallel)

Nominal workload:250 hours

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel and associated exam period.

About this course

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
  • 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 assignments (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.
  • 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.
  • Assessment method

    Combined assessment, consiting of:

    • Videoblog (40%)
    • Written exam (60%)

    Letter grades (A-F) for both assignments, with weighting given in the brackets. Submissions (videoblog and written exam) must be given in English.



  • Examiner scheme
    An external examiner will assent to the evaluation scheme.
  • Mandatory activity

    Participation in groupwork ahead of seminars, and corresponding presentations, are compulsory.

    Attendance at seminars is compulsory.

  • Teaching hours
    2 x 2 hours with lectures/seminars per week.
  • Preferential right
    M-GDS
  • Admission requirements
    Relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent