Advanced Sociology of Development

Advanced Sociology of Development

The aim of this course is to generate an in-depth understanding of the sociology of development through an inter-disciplinary approach, by use of primary texts from the key schools of thought and selected secondary sources. We will explore historico-philosophical rootings of the idea of development and critically discuss its theoretical evolution as well as implementation strategies/practices since World War II: modernisation, dependency, neo-liberalism, post-developmentalism and feminist theories, as well as conceptions and theories of globalisation, and how they are related to underlying political economic assumptions (classical/neoclassical economics; Keynesianism; neoliberalism; socialism). The politics of food (food security/food justice/food sovereignty) serve as a case study to illustrate the developmental implications of different theories. Related to this, we will also examine the historical and contemporary relevance of the notion of ‘sustainable development’. Other development relevant topics and issues may be integrated in accordance with the students’ specific interests.

The sessions will be composed of a mixture of introductory lectures to the topics, discussion, participatory group activities, student presentations, and audio-visual and documentary materials.

 

Requirements & Assessment:

Regular participation; active participation in group workshops and plenary discussions; one individual presentation of a selected key text; written assignment (“Seminar/Hausarbeit”) in English or German on a topic developed mutually between student and the course leader.

 

Key Literature

  • Hoogvelt, A. (2001) Globalization and the Post-colonial World, Palgrave.
  • Peet, R. & Hartwick, E. (2009)Theories of Development, Guilford.
Datenblatt
Semester: 
Sommersemester 2015
Ort und Zeit: 
Blockseminar: Freitag 19.6./26.6./3.7. von 10-17 Uhr, 5.012; Samstag 4.7. von 12-17, 5.012
Vorbesprechung: Do, 11.6.15, 18-20 Uhr, PSG 00.6
Sprache: 
Englisch
ECTS BA: 
5.0

Mitarbeiteranmeldung (nur für registrierte Benutzende)