Development, Democracy and the State
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 2SK521
This course has been discontinued.
- Code
- 2SK521
- Education cycle
- First cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Development Studies G1N
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Board of the Department of Government, 13 June 2008
- Responsible department
- Department of Government
Entry requirements
General entry requirements
Learning outcomes
The aim of this course is to introduce the students to basic concepts, facts, arguments, and causal theories about development. The purpose is also to study and discuss the role of aid, globally and in Sweden. A part of the course focuses on and departs from recent research on development, democracy, and social capital.
Content
The course has four themes: Introduction to the development discourse, aid, the development state, and social capital. The text book Politics and Culture in the Developing World, the two chapters in the UNDP report, and the well known book by Amartya Sen will introduce you to some of the most important problems and discussions about development. The role of aid in the development process will be discussed in connection with Emerson's edited volume, the Swedish government's bill on aid from 2002 and some 'external' lectures. Through aid to democracy and conditionalities external actors can influence democratic processes. Possibilities and problems with such processes will be discussed in connection with Democratisation in the European Neighbourhood, plus some articles (TBA). The last theme of the course is social capital and democracy. During the last 10-15 years democracy has become a dominant idea in debates and policies about development – as a goal in its own right and as a means to achieve other goals. Anirudh Krishna's book analyses in the context of villages in northern India the importance of social capital for democracy and development.
Instruction
The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, and video film. The course is taught in English.
Assessment
Students are examined through a written exam. Active participation in seminars, which include written assignments, gives credit when doing the written exam,. Grades are awarded according the scale "failed", "pass" or "pass with distinction". Additional information is also given in the form of a seven-point grading system (ECTS).
Course level in relation to degree requirements
The course aims to give students knowledge and understanding about the field and a practice in independent evaluation, critical treatment and discussions of this knowledge.