Bachelor
2023/2024
The Political Economy of Development
Type:
Compulsory course (Computational Social Sciences)
Area of studies:
Applied Mathematics and Information Science
Delivered by:
School of Sociology
Where:
Faculty of Social Sciences
When:
2 year, 3 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Why are some nations rich, while others are poor? The course ‘Political Economy of Development’ is dedicated to deal systematically with this oldest question of political economy. The course aims at introducing the academic study of development for general social scientists. The course presents major trends and changes in development theory and their bearings on development policy and practice, critically discussing development concepts and the emergence and evolution of paradigms in development thinking.Knowledge of economics or political science is not required to attend the course. The language of instruction is English.
Learning Objectives
- To understand different basic perspectives, concepts, discussions, and theories about development.
- To be familiar with development problems such as democratization, inequality, military conflicts, capitalism, globalization, state-formation, etc.
- To discuss the implications of different theoretical perspectives for development policy in practice.
- To improve verbal communication skills through interactive class discussions.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Improve verbal communication skills through interactive class discussions.
- Discuss the implications of different theoretical perspectives for development policy in practice.
- Be familiar with development problems such as democratization, inequality, military conflicts, capitalism, globalization, state-formation, etc..
- Understand different basic perspectives, concepts, discussions, and theories about development.
Course Contents
- Introduction. What is development?
- Institutions and Development.
- Geography and Development
- Radical Theories of Development: Dependency Theory and World-System Analysis
- The Great Divergence and the Rise of the West.
- Colonialism and Development
- Democracy and Dictatorship
- Inequality and Development
- The ‘resource curse.’ What is the paradox of plenty?
- Global Development Prospects. Is equality between nations possible?
Assessment Elements
- Participation in seminarsReading is crucial for having a fruitful and enjoyable discussion in class. Therefore, every student must read all mandatory reading materials assigned for seminar discussions. Reading additional materials (advanced reading) is welcome but optional. Advanced reading should be considered as material for further independent study outside the classroom. However, it would be helpful for seminar discussions if students were familiar with some reading materials from the advanced reading list.
- Response papers (three)
- Presentation
- Book review
- Final test
Interim Assessment
- 2023/2024 3rd module0.2 * Book review + 0.2 * Final test + 0.2 * Participation in seminars + 0.2 * Presentation + 0.2 * Response papers (three)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Wallerstein, I. M. (2004). World-Systems Analysis : An Introduction. Durham: Duke University Press Books. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=682046
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Acemoglu, D., Johnson, S., & Robinson, J. A. (2005). Institutions as a Fundamental Cause of Long-Run Growth. Handbook of Economic Growth, 385. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.h.eee.grochp.1.06