About this course

The Master in Global Development Studies engages with contemporary discourses on global development and explores the interplay between social, economic, political, environmental and gendered aspects of societal change across scales from local to global. Central themes addressed are inequality and poverty, the environment, climate change, global governance, armed conflict and violence, gender, food systems, rural development, decolonization and other struggles for justice. The EDS201 Course introduces the academic field of Global Development Studies. The focus is on developing awareness, interest and skills in further work in Global Development Studies in an interdisciplinary environment. Getting to know the University, Department and other students in the programme is also central. Lectures, discussion, group work, writing adn excursion are among the learning methods used on the course.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE. Know about current problems, issues and ideas in the field of global development studies. Beware of examples of literature and research in the field.

SKILLS: Working in groups, presenting, knowing the NMBU's information system, particularly the learning platform Canvas, sue the NMBU Library, use English as a language of study, formulate a concept note for research on an issue within the academic field.

GENERAL COMPETENCE. Understand what is expected of master students at NMBU, be well prepared for a master programme in Global Development Studies.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures, discussions, group work, oral, visual and written presentation, excursion.

  • Teaching support

    Support, information and guidance from Course leader, other staff at the Department, the NMBU Library, NMBU Writing Centre, and study advisors.

  • Syllabus

    A list of literature will be available in Canvas prior to the start of the course.

  • Prerequisites

    A Bachelor degree in a field of relevance for Global Development Studies.

  • Assessment method

    Portfolio Assessment

    • Oral and visual presentation in class
    • Report

    Evaluation: Pass/Not passed

  • About use of AI

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner will approve the examination design.

  • Mandatory activity

    1. Attendance at lectures and other activities.

    2. Group work, including preparation of an oral and visual presentation in class and a written submission.

  • Teaching hours

    The course will run from Monday through Friday during the three weeks of the August block period.

  • Preferential right

    Students at the M-GDS programme.

  • Admission requirements

    GSK (General competence)