GY202     
Introduction to Global Development

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Romola Sanyal

Availability

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Environment and Development and BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development. This course is available on the BA in Geography, BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics, 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 Autumn Term we cover concepts and theories of development, histories of colonialism, the debt crisis and structural adjustment, neoliberalism, aid, governance and civil society. In Winter 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 Autumn and Winter Term 



This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term and Week 6 of Winter Term.



Formative coursework

Students will produce two formative assignments- one each during the AT and the WT.

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 spring exam period.
Essay (50%, 3000 words) in the WT.

Key facts

Department: Geography and Environment

Total students 2023/24: 92

Average class size 2023/24: 16

Capped 2023/24: Yes (100)

Value: One 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
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication