Prof David Lewis OLD2.40

This course is available on the MSc in African Development, MSc in Development Studies, MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change, MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies, MSc in Social Policy (Research), MSc in Social Policy and Development and MSc in Social Policy and Development: Non-Governmental Organisations. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Knowledge of rural areas and relevant work experience is desirable but not essential. Knowledge of sociological and anthropological approaches to rural development also desirable.

Theories of rural development, history of rural development policy, changing rural livelihoods, land and agrarian reform, agricultural research and extension, the roles of private and non-governmental actors, natural resource management, food security, climate change and rural-urban linkages.

15 hours of lectures and 12 hours of seminars in the MT. 2 hours of lectures in the ST.

A formative 1500 word essay is required at end of Week 6, and feedback will be given.

A detailed reading list is included in the seminar programme. The following is an introductory reading list: R McAreavey, Rural Development Theory and Practice (2009); World Development Report 2008: Agriculture for Development (World Bank 2009); A Hall & J Midgley, Social Policy for Development (2004); A Shepherd, Sustainable Rural Development (1998); B Crow & H Bernstein (Eds), Rural Lives: Crises and Responses (1992); N Long, Development Sociology: Actor Perspectives (2001); I Scoones & J Thompson, Farmer First Revisited (2009).

Exam (75%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Essay (25%, 2500 words).

Students are required to write an assessed essay of 2,500 words (25%). A two-hour written examination in the ST (75%).