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Department of Development Studies

Theory and evidence in contemporary development

Course Code:
151010022
Unit value:
1
Year of study:
Year 2
Taught in:
Full Year

The main objective of this course is to show, through selected case studies, the relationship between theoretical work and empirical research in development studies. Specific development debates will be selected and students will be taught competing theoretical approaches to these issues, and how data is used by different perspectives, both to illustrate the contentions of a particular theory, and undermine the contentions of other approaches. Rather than being taught in the abstract, specific development debates will be used to illustrate the theoretical approaches, and the relationship between theory and empirical research. These issues will include the political economy of agrarian change; the international context of development (capital flows); debt; structural adjustment; different manifestations of poverty; the role of institutions in economic development; the political economy of refugee crises; and the political economy of violence, war and post-war reconstruction.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

After studying this unit, students should:

  • Have a sound understanding of selected development debates
  • Show a clear understanding of the theoretical approaches to these issues
  • Reflect critically on how data is collected and used in addressing these issues
  • Show a critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of collecting and using data
  • Critically reflect on the significance of these strengths and weaknesses for understanding of key development debates
  • Critically reflect on the relationship between theoretical reflection and empirical research in addressing these issues
  • Relate these debates to the relationship between theories, concepts and methods in development studies

Workload

Teaching will take the form of a two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial each week.

Scope and syllabus

Part One: Introduction

  1. Introduction to inter-disciplinary approaches to development
  2. Measuring Development

Part Two: Structural adjustment, poverty, and poverty reduction strategies

Part Three: The Political Economy of Agrarian Change

Part Four: International Capital Flow and debt crises

Part Five: The Political Economy of Refugee Crises

Part Six: The State, Institutions and Development

Part Seven: The Political Economy of Violence, Conflict, war and post-war reconstruction

Method of assessment

One three hour written examination which will constitute 60% of the final mark, with the remaining 40% consisting of marks from assessed essays. Each student will be expected to submit two essays of no more than 3000 words, each consisting of 20% of the overall mark. Resubmission of coursework regulations apply to this course.

Suggested reading

  • H-J Chang, 2003. Rethinking Development Economics, Anthem. T. Allen and A.Thomas eds. (2000) Poverty and Development into the Twenty First Century, chs. 1 and esp. 2
  • U. Kambhapati, 2004. Development and the Developing World, Polity.
  • A.P. Thirlwall, 2006. Growth and Development: With Special Reference to Developing Countries, London: Palgrave Macmillan, 8th edition.
  • A. Thomas, J. Chataway, and M. Wuyts 1998. Finding Out Fast: Investigative Skills for Policy and Development, London: Sage Publciations and Open University.