Development Studies

This course provides a combination of critical analytical and practical skills for engaging with the challenges of development planning and policy analysis in relation to African contexts. It includes at least three dimensions: firstly, it introduces critical theoretical approaches to the very notion of doing "development," to the study of policy, and to the politics of planning; secondly, it will prepare students for analyzing different kinds of development planning and policies in their historical-political-social-economic contexts; and thirdly, it provides critically reflective yet practical skills for planning concrete development projects and undertaking critical readings of policy. Students are encouraged to draw on and share their own previous experience of working in "development" settings where relevant but such experience is not a pre-requisite for the course.

How do different actors shape, relate to, sustain or contest the shifting orthodoxies of development? This course is organized as a genealogy of development policy thinking from post-war decolonization onwards. It gives students an essential introduction to the evolution of international development as a global project from its post-World War II origins to the present day. It maps out the key moments (of innovation, crisis, and reinvention) in that evolution and the shifts in thinking that underpin changes in global development agendas/policy.

This advanced course in development economics provides a thorough exposition of concepts, policy issues, and controversies in the process of economic development. The course covers leading issues in development economics such as the role of trade and institutions in industrialization and long-run development as well as cutting-edge empirical research on various topics such as human capital, conflict, corruption, foreign aid, gender, and the environment.

This is an introductory course on Global Governance and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). It discusses current international issues such as political and economic development, the environment, and human rights. 

This course provides a foundation for international development and cooperation. It covers the histories and theories of international development and cooperation; the concepts and evolution of development and its variants, including sustainable development, economic development, human development and capabilities, and post-development; the emergence and functioning of international organizations involved in coordinating global cooperation; and a selection of compelling contemporary issues.

The course introduces development economics as well as applied problems in the field of development, and development strategies. It covers both conventional theory of development and economic growth and alternative strategies for sustainable development. Topics covered include resource mobilization, agricultural and industrial development, globalization, sustainable development and institutions, and the political economy of development. The discussion is both theoretical and applied with extensive use made of country and regional case studies. The course focuses on developmental challenges confronting South Africa and the rest of Africa. Assessment: coursework (50%) and a final exam (50%).

Gain insight into a variety of approaches to ensuring that children grow up healthy and with opportunities to become contributing members of society. The historical roots, current issues, and future challenges related to children’s well-being are addressed in this course by covering a broad spectrum of related topics, including family life, the influence of the turbulent 20th century on youth and education, regional and national differences in educational systems, preventive youth health care, public policy on social services and divorce support, parental leave, and daycare provision. Students also learn about alternative educational approaches, such as those developed by Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, Célestin Freinet, and A. S. Neill. The course includes guest speakers and incorporates guest talks and site visits to relevant museums/exhibitions.

The Internship Program gives students hands-on experience with local, regional, or international organizations and businesses to place their work experience into the broader context of professional development and development in Jordan. Students are exposed to the complex developmental, social, political, and business fabric of Jordan and gain valuable work experience. The main part of the course is the practicum, which is monitored by the CIEE lecturer through office hours, check-ins, and follow up with the internship on-site supervisor. In addition, the class meets bi-weekly for guest lecturers, planned site visits, and discussions on topics related to development in Jordan and international careers to provide practical insight into donor/host organizations and their efforts to support Jordan.

This course examines the links between environmental protection and economic development. It focuses on how the world manages its natural and environmental resources to meet the human needs of the present while at the same time preserving these resources for future generations. The course introduces students to different views on how human society achieves the goal of economic growth without depleting earth’s capital and jeopardizing the planet’s life support system. Other topics include the concept of sustainable development and its evolution; the challenges, equity issues, technology development, and free trade; sustainable development indicators and ecological footprints analysis; governance and international cooperation; and the sustainability of city and country. The course uses Hong Kong and China for case studies.