Gada Academy

0
0 reviews

The Political Economy of Development and Underdevelopment | Live Online Learning

This online course provides an introduction to the politics of development and underdevelopment, examining key theories and practices since 1944. ... Show more
  • Description
  • Curriculum
  • Reviews

Course Description:

The Political Economy of Development and Underdevelopment explores the historical and contemporary dynamics of global capitalism and its uneven impact on development across the world. While countries in the Global North rapidly industrialized and prospered, many in the Global South have faced ongoing challenges, with some still struggling or in the process of “catching up.”

The central question of the course—Why are some countries wealthy while others are poor?—serves as the foundation for a critical examination of the historical roots and alternative paradigms of development in the Global South, from the 20th century to the present.

The course employs the metaphor of a satellite photograph of Earth at night, where the bright lights of the Global North starkly contrast with the darkness of the Global South.

This imagery captures the profound inequalities in the global distribution of wealth, technology, and infrastructure, offering a starting point for understanding the political, economic, and social processes that perpetuate these disparities.

The course begins by interrogating colonial legacies and the complex historical relationships between the Global North and South. It explores alternative definitions of development, particularly in the context of the Global South, and examines the various theories that have shaped development thinking and policy. From state-led development strategies to the rise of neoliberalism and its subsequent crises, students will explore the ideological and practical shifts that have defined development over time.

The course also addresses critiques of neoliberalism and the emergence of alternative development paradigms. Finally, the course considers contemporary global challenges, such as climate change and justice, through the lens of the Global South’s unique political and economic position. It examines the rise of new global actors, including the BRICS countries, and explores the implications of South-South cooperation and global climate justice for the future of development.

Course Aims: This course aims to:

  1. Equip participants with key analytical tools to critically assess development theories and practices.
  2. Provide a comprehensive historical understanding of the evolution of development as a concept and its practical applications.
  3. Examine the political, economic, and environmental factors that shape development and underdevelopment in the Global South.
  4. Introduce participants to the major actors, ideas, and institutions that have shaped and continue to define development theory and practice.
  5. Engage with contemporary debates and challenges in global development, including climate justice, South-South cooperation, and the rise of the BRICS countries.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of key development strategies employed in different historical periods and geographical contexts.
  2. Critically evaluate development theories and policies, analyzing their theoretical underpinnings, historical context, and practical implications.
  3. Apply conceptual frameworks to examine and compare development strategies across countries and regions.
  4. Critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various development theories and assess their relevance to contemporary issues in the Global South.
  5. Evaluate the historical trajectories of development in the Global South, from the 20th century to the present day.
  6. Assess contemporary global challenges, such as the rise of the BRICS, South-South cooperation, and climate justice, using critical frameworks.
  7. Demonstrate effective communication and analytical skills through independent research, written assignments, and oral presentations.
  8. Apply interdisciplinary approaches to understanding development issues, drawing on political economy and political ecology perspectives.

This course is ideal for students, professionals, and activists in international development, humanitarian aid, public policy, and social justice, offering critical insights into the causes and solutions to global development challenges.

The Political Economy of Development and Underdevelopment
The Political Economy of Development and Underdevelopment | Live Online Learning
Share
A $100 discount on fees for individuals with low incomes.
Layer 1