AYC0334/1 - Introduction to Development Studies

Kursus on gümnasistidele ning kutsekoolis õppijatele, inglise keeles. Have you ever wondered why some countries are rich and some are poor? Have you ever thought about what you can do to fight against poverty and inequality?
Welcome to development studies. Development studies look at history, economics, gender, politics and more to understand why some countries, societies and people become powerful while others become weak. The aim of development studies is to think of creative ways to address social inequality in our world. In development studies we want to understand the policies, actions and interventions that bring about the kinds of social change that lead to higher levels of well-being amongst people.

Gümnaasiumi või kutsekooli ealised õpilased

To discuss the contested nature of development studies from economics, gender studies, anthropology, sociology, geography and political to understand what development looks like today; to acquire skills and knowledge to reflect on own motivation, and interpretation on the meaning and goals of developments.

The conceptual foundations of development studies, the historical evolution of the political, socio-economic and cultural influences in development studies.
1. What is development, who is development for?
Development is a political idea. Is it good? Bad? Needed? Ideas in development are connected to those in power and those who are kept away from power.
Development is related to ideas of progress and an ideal society. In this session, we will examine the history of development, and see how different ideas on development have shaped the last 100 years of our world
2. How does the economy connect to Development
Debates on what ‘economic development’ means, on how it should be achieved and at what cost. The session will focus on some core economic ideas that have shaped the modern world since WW2. A historical overview from the great depression to the 2008 financial crash, the session will explore how economics has contributed to development and has sometimes caused problems in development of nations. This session will contribute to an understanding of national, and global economic trends.
3. Who is powerful and how do they effect Development
The meaning of ‘power’ is understood in many different ways, and the role it plays in social change. Are the powerful helping the weak? Are the powerful negatively effecting the weak? Who has power and why? What is empowerment? What is the link between power and law? How are power, empowerment and development related?
4. Race, identity and Development
The development of indigenous communities, and small socio-cultural groups- native populations and minorities to understand how to save cultures and create a diverse world.
5. Gender and Development
The history of gender and its link to development. Some challenges to the concept of contemporary queer and feminist theory. What is the role and scope of gender equality, gender balance and gender representation in development.
6. Inequality and how to overcome it through development
Are inequalities always bad? What is the difference between being unequal and being different? How development looks at the ideas of inequalities and which inequalities economic, social, political, and cultural – it seeks to overcome. The relationship between inequalities and social justice by looking at the different ways in which social justice has been historically designed.
7. Greener more stable environments and future of development
Is development aimed at human development? Social development or should it also extend to environmental development? Can we develop/shape/change our environments? What are the implications of looking at development beyond the human focus?

1compares and contrasts a range of theories of development; constructs arguments to support different orientations towards development; constructs arguments to critique different orientations towards development; integrates different meanings of development for their context; formulates shared positions on key development issues

Belonging to the target group.
Proficiency in English B2.
Ability to read, write and discuss in English.
Interest in social, political and cultural topics.

Ülikooli auditoorium

Magistrikraad rahvusvahelises arengus

Lectures followed by seminars: 1.5 hour lecture, 1.5 hour seminar. Students are expected to do 1-2 academic readings before the lecture.

TLÜ tunnistus