Course content

The course analyses economic, social and political aspects of development processes in the South. Emphasis is put on the linkages between local contexts and global forces of change in the South. Examples of development trajectories are drawn from many contexts, especially in the discussions on the content of the concept of development. There is a focus on debates on development strategies, and how these strategies are linked to development theories.

Learning outcome

The students will obtain knowledge about key ideas in contemporary development thinking. The emphasis in this course is on strategies to overcome development problems in the South. The students will through oral group presentations and critical discussions gain skills in analyzing empirical information for strategy formulation. They will get enhanced competence in understanding complex development issues and in identifying solutions to poverty.

Knowledge

The course provides students with insight into selected aspects of development. The focus is on how solutions to development problems can be found in different empirical contexts. Ideas of strategies and of international aid will be critically examined giving the students a solid basis for formulating their own view on eradication of poverty.

You will obtain:

  • A basis for understanding contemporary development discourses.
  • A thorough insight into development problems in the South.
  • An ability to distinguish between mainstream and “smallstream” theoretical paradigms and their strategies.

Skills

The course seeks to give the students improved ability to discuss critically contemporary views on development. It is an aim that the students shall be able to analyze complex empirical information, and to formulate adequate strategies to improve people’s lives.

You will be able to:

  • Discuss and critically present different development perspectives.
  • Analyze the complexities of development issues in writing as well as orally.
  • Formulate your independent view on development strategy with a higher level of precision.

Competences

The course trains the students in independent thinking about development issues. It also seeks to give the students the ability to analyze the impact of regional and global processes on the local level in the South.

You will gain:

  • A critical understanding of the important ideas in development discourses.
  • An ability to analyze different empirical contexts, and assess ideas of strategies to overcome development problems.
  • An awareness of dilemmas of development, which is the true sign of mature development thinking.

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

This course is a part of the Master's program in Human Geography.

Students in other master programs may apply to be accepted as guest students. Please note that the following special restrictions apply:

  • applicants must be admitted to a master program.
  • this course will be taken as a part of their Master's degree. A confirmation from the students student adviser must be attached to the application.
  • there are available places in this course.

Applications must be sent the department by 26 August.

If you already have completed our Master's programme in Human Geography and want to take additional master courses,you can find more information