GY202     
Introduction to Global Development

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Alicia Lazzarini

Dr Romola Sanyal

 

Availability

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Environment and Development. This course is available on the BA in Geography, BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in Geography with Economics and BSc in International Relations. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Course content

An introduction to analysing global development, focusing on key development theories, strategies, problems and trajectories. In Michaelmas Term we cover concepts and theories of development, histories of colonialism, the debt crisis and structural adjustment, neoliberalism, aid, governance and civil society. In Lent Term we examine poverty, migration, informality, housing, water, sanitation and gender.

Teaching

In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures, in-person lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.



This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures across Michaelmas and Lent Term 



This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term and Week 6 of Lent Term.

Formative coursework

Students will produce two essays during the MT and the LT.

Indicative reading

S. Chant and C. McIlwaine, Geographies of Development in the 21st Century:

An Introduction to the Global South, 2009; S. Chari and S. Corbridge (eds),

The Development Reader, 2008;G. Williams, P. Meth and K. Willis,

Geographies of Developing Areas: the Global South in a Changing World, 2009;

V Desai & R Potter (Eds), The Companion to Development Studies, 2nd ed,

2008; T Forsyth (Ed), The Routledge Encyclopaedia of Development, 2005;

D. Simon (Ed.), Fifty Key Thinkers on Development, 2005; K Willis (2011)

Theories and practices in development, 2nd ed; UNDP, Human Development

Report, published annually; World Bank, World Development Report,

published annually.

Assessment

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Essay (50%, 3000 words) in the LT.

Student performance results

(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)

Classification % of students
First 31.3
2:1 57.5
2:2 10.1
Third 0
Fail 1.1

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Geography & Environment

Total students 2019/20: 72

Average class size 2019/20: 15

Capped 2019/20: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication