DV442      Half Unit
Key Issues in Development Studies

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Christine Hanrieder CON 8.14

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Health and International Development and MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies. This course is available on the MSc in Anthropology and Development, MSc in Economic Policy for International Development, MSc in Environment and Development and MSc in Urbanisation and Development. This course is not available as an outside option.

Not available to students enrolled on DV400 & DV431.

 

Course content

This course provides an inter-disciplinary introduction to development studies. We explore key issues such as the SDGs, states and markets, growth and redistribution, colonial legacies, gender, climate change, and demographyin development (key issues may change from year to year).

Teaching

10 x 1.5 hour lectures and 10 x 1.5 hour seminars. in the AT. There will also be a 1.5 hour exam revision session at the end of AT.

Formative coursework

Students will submit one formative essay of 1500 words.

Indicative reading

The following are recommended basic readings for the course:



A Sen, Development as Freedom (Anchor, 1999).



Chang, H.J. (2002), Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective (London: Anthem Press).



Recommendation for students with little previous exposure to economic debates:



Chang, H.J. (2014). Economics: The User’s Guide. (London: Penguin Books).

Assessment

Take-home assessment (100%) in January.

This is in the form of a 48 hour assessment 

Student performance results

(2020/21 - 2022/23 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 18.4
Merit 67.4
Pass 13.3
Fail 0.9

Key facts

Department: International Development

Total students 2023/24: 156

Average class size 2023/24: 16

Controlled access 2023/24: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication