Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module will provide a foundation to the study of international development and education and will aim to provide a broad understanding of the different concepts, actors and thinkers in the field of international development. Each week, different concepts, actors and thinkers will be explored and illustrated through case studies and contemporary issues.

The module will aim to:
• introduce students to the field of international development by looking at a range of contemporary issues and themes;
• teach students about the history, theory and practice of international development, using a variety of case studies and examples from around the world;
• encourage students to critically assess and analyse the successes and failures of different actors in the field of international development.

Outline Of Syllabus

In this introductory course students will cover key areas of international development, including:

• different concepts of development;
• the history of international development;
• colonial intervention and the Cold War
• International agencies and NGOs;
• International aid and the millennium development goals
• corruption;
• the impact of conflict, insecurity and natural disasters;
• best practice - examples of both failure and success

These themes integrate the material – using a variety of case studies to provide a central narrative encouraging critical appraisal and curiosity.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

• An appreciation of the complexity of the term ‘development’ and an understanding of how it has developed over time (A2)
• An awareness and understanding of the variety of factors affecting development (A3,A4)
• Knowledge and understanding of the different concepts, issues and thinkers in this field (A1-4)

Intended Skill Outcomes

• Be able to critically evaluate arguments and evidence from a range of primary and secondary sources (B4; C5; C8; D1; D5)
• Be able to work with others in group situations and articulate ideas and arguments to an audience (C4; D2; D4; D6; D7)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module will provide a foundation to the study of international development and education and will introduce the different concepts, actors and thinkers in the field of international development. It uses the formal lectures to provide an initial guide to impart this knowledge via interactive sessions. Weekly seminars are employed to allow smaller group discussion and activities which enable critical engagement with key themes, concepts and frameworks. Students also participate in planning and facilitating group presentations in seminars. Together, the lectures and seminars provide the basis through which advanced study of the complex role of education in international development can take place. Combined with the lectures and seminars, weekly drop-in tutorials with the students will be offered to provide extra support as and when necessary. These tutorials will invite students to reflect on their own learning practices, leading them to consider the areas they need further support and guidance.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment strategy is through oral presentation and writing assignments. These forms of assessments will allow the student to display the practical skills they have learned. Some forms of assessment are more appropriate to illustrating the skill of critical evaluation (such as the written assignments) whereas the capacity to define and formulate research problems, questions and hypotheses pertinent to international development and education issues may be best illustrated using oral presentations or written reports.

General Notes

N/A