Development Studies B

About the course

An education in development studies will increase your understanding of political, economic, and social development from a global perspective. At Uppsala University, development studies is offered at the Department of Government, which gives it a clear political science profile, with a focus on the politics of development, good governance, and policy analysis. In this way, development studies at Uppsala University addresses the increasing demand for political science competence in the international labour market.

Courses in development studies provide knowledge about the basic theoretical development discourses as well as about reality-based development challenges. The aim is to contribute nuanced analytical perspectives on development processes in national, regional, and international contexts.

Development Studies B focuses on issues like democratisation and the challenges of democracy in different parts of the world, international development goals and their relationship to theory and research, and you are given a first introduction to research methods. The course is divided into three parts: The Problems of Democracy, Development Policy in Practice and Methods.

The first part deals with the problems of democracy. This module first focuses on conceptual questions about the meaning of democracy and normative questions concerning arguments for and against democracy. The module also focuses on more empirical questions about democratisation, and the political and economic effects of democracy. The module is given in Swedish.

The second part is Development Policy in Practice. This module traces different development goals from their theoretical starting points to policy formulations in the global arena, to implementation at the national and local levels. The module will bring up policy areas like poverty reduction, electoral observation and assistance, climate agreements, and the agenda for women, peace, and security. Practitioners who work with these issues will take an active part in the course. The module is in English.

The third sub-part offers basic knowledge of research methods. You get a first introduction to empirical research and to the way in which the choice of method affects the design and results of a research project. The focus of this part is on basic methodological concepts and qualitative methods.

If you already have taken Political Science B and want to apply for Development Studies B, please contact the Department of Government before applying.