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, 7 May 2009
- Responsible department
- Department of Government
Entry requirements
For exchange students only.
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 three themes: Introduction to the development discourse, aid and conditionality, and social capital. The well known book "Development as Freedom" by Amartya Sen and two chapters in the UNDPreport will introduce you to some of the most important problems and discussions about development. The role of aid in the development process will be analysed in connection with William Easterly's book "the White Mans's Burden", a number of articles, the Paris Declaration from 2005 and some "external" lectures. Within the general theme of development aid, the course also includes some articles about democracy promotion and democratic conditionality. The latter is frequently used as an instrument by donor states in order to put pressure on recipient states to initiate democratic reforms. Possibilities and problems with pressures for democratisation by external actors is one of the topics which will be discussed under the theme of development aid.
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.
Other regulations
This course is for exchange students only.