Syllabus for Development Studies C

Learning outcomes

After completion of Development Studies C the students are expected to:

• have strengthened their knowledge of social science methods which they have gained from Development Studies B.
• to get a deepened knowledge within a specialised field in development studies
• independently formulate a researchable problem within development studies based on previous research and with the help of one or several methods answer the question in their own study and critically reflect on the results of the study

Content

Course 1. Methods, 7.5 ECTS

Course 2. Tragedy of the Commons:

Climate, Water, and the Politics of Natural Resource Management 7.5 ECTS

Other relevant courses can be chosen. Contact Director of Development Studies, Hans Blomkvist.

Course 3. Independent study (thesis work)15 ECTS

1. Methods, 7.5 credits 0.0 hp

2. Tragedy of the Commons: Climate, Water, and the Politics of Natural Resource Management 0.0 hp

Goal

After completion of the course the students are expected to:

- have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the 'collective action dilemma' in social science research

- be acquainted with two crucial global problems of natural resources: climate change and water availability

- be able to analyse practical problems – case studies – within either of the areas above with the help of theoretical literature and present it in shorter seminar assignments

Content of the course

The theoretical focus of the course is the 'collective action dilemma'. As a corollary to the two goals of climate change and water availability the course will also analyse and discuss possible political solutions to the management of climate and water (or natural resources more generally). Viz. Solutions on the international, regional, and local level. International regimes such as the Kyoto Protocol are focused. The climate politics and policies of the European Union is the case in point discussing possible solutions at the regional level. Lastly, water and climate politics as it is played out in localities in developing countries is analysed. The latter includes the confluence of state policies and norms in the local community. After finishing the course the students are expected to thoroughly understand connections between problems of limited natural resources and politics. The aim is that students learn about important scientific knowledge on the limits of water resources and climate to be able to connect this to possibilities and weaknesses in political systems. The intent is also to provide a good basis for students who want to pursue this topic in a C level essay in Development studies or Political science.

The course consists of four parts: Stating the Problem, International regimes and Climate Change, Climate Politics in a Regional Organisation: EU and Climate Change, and Managing the Local Commons: Water and Climate in Developing Countries.

Teaching

The course consists of lectures and seminars.

Examination

The students are examined by means of (active participation in) seminars, written assignments, and a final written exam. Grades are awarded according the scale "failed", "pass" or "pass with distinction".

3. Independent study (thesis work) 0.0 hp

Aims

After completion of the course the students are expected to:

- carry out an independent study on development and/or development theory based on the empirical, methodological, and theoretical knowledge gained during the preceding 75 points in Development Studies

Teaching

Teaching is done in the form of supervision, individually or in groups, of the thesis work and through active participation in (at least seven) thesis seminars.

Examination

The thesis is examined by two teachers/professors in connection with the thesis seminars. The grade summarises the evaluation of the thesis, oral presentation and defence of the thesis, comments (opposition), and active participation in the other thesis seminars. The criteria and how they are combined are formulated in the course presentation handed out in the beginning of the semester. Grades are awarded according the scale "failed", "pass" or "pass with distinction".

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

The students are examined by means of a written test, assignments, and active participation in seminars. The third part is examined by means of writing and defending a thesis, commenting on a thesis and active participation in (at least five) theses seminars. An opportunity for a re-test is given ca 3-4 weeks after the first exam. The time and place for the written tests is announced in the schedule on the net. Grades are awarded according the scale "failed", "pass" or "pass with distinction". To get the grade "pass with distinction" for the whole C course that grade is needed for at least 15 points of the totally 30 points.

Course level in relation to degree requirements

On completion of the course the students are expected to have deepened their knowledge within development studies. They will have acquired a general view, and knowledge of the current scientific debate. The students' ability to analyse, evaluate and critically examine research and to formulate their own research problems will be deepened, as well as their ability to critically discuss and present information both orally and in writing, and their ability to independently search for scientifically relevant data and information. Additional training in the skill to present their arguments orally as well as in writing in a clear and concise way, will be offered.

The awareness and knowledge of methods will be deepened, and the methodological skills required to independently raise scientific questions and to carry out simple empirical studies, will be developed. A basic awareness will be acquired concerning the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the public responsibility for its use. While working with the independent project the students' ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate questions will be deepened, and they will learn to plan and carry out qualified assignments within given time limits and with adequate methods, and to present and discuss the underlying conclusions and arguments, both orally and in writing. The skills required for participation in the research and development work, or for working independently in some other qualified field, will be especially developed here.