Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to:
- Enhance students’ understanding of contending theories of globalisation and to relate these to analyses of global poverty and development.
- Develop an advanced understanding of the problem of poverty, its relation to global ethics and global politics, and its relation to controversies in the literature on development and globalization.
- Foster the development of skills including research techniques, case study analysis, and oral presentations.

This module provides a foundation for understanding the fields of Globalisation and Development Studies, with special emphasis on the problem of persistent poverty and inequality on a global scale, and the relation of this condition to global political economy, global justice, and global politics. The module combines expertise and perspectives from the fields of Politics, International Political Economy, and Sociology of Development to provide an interdisciplinary learning environment. It covers a range of relevant topics including the definitions of globalisation(s); the definition(s) and measurement of poverty; and the analysis of the relationship between globalisation, development and poverty.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics may include:

Introduction: The Many Faces of Globalisation
Development in Historical Perspective
Neoliberal Globalisation: Processes (Production/Finance)
Neoliberal Globalisation: Institutions
Globalisation and Inequalities
Globalisation and Sustainability
Globalisation and Migration
Globalisation and the ‘Illicit’ Economy
Social Movements in/Against Globalisation
Globalisation and Democracy
Conclusion: De- or Re-globalisation?

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will have acquired knowledge of a range of theories and perspectives on the politics of globalization, poverty, and development. Students will have an understanding of the relation of these subjects to global justice, global ethics, and global politics.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will have developed their skills in research techniques, including case study and comparative case study analysis and research paper preparation, as well as presentational skills.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The 2-hour weekly seminar will involve a combination of a presentation by the module leader and student-led discussion around the core theoretical, methodological and substantive issues. The seminar-based teaching and learning methods will enable students to develop employment-related skills such as interpersonal communication, oral presentation, teamwork, planning and organising, information literacy and problem solving. The weekly question and answer session will allow students to collectively confirm and extend their knowledge about key weekly learning objectives in a structured learning event.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The 4,000 word research paper will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their analytical skills in examining a contemporary problem associated with international development and poverty reduction. The word count of 4,000 will enable students to develop a sophisticated case study component in order to fully examine the problem at hand in a particular country or region.

General Notes

N/A