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The seminar covers the central concepts and controversies of development research and international development cooperation. First, we will introduce key theoretical concepts of development and critiques of these concepts. We will then discuss key controversies concerning the normative ideas of developmental success and failure, as well as contemporary policy changes in the field of development. We will also engage with radically critical perspectives on the discourse and practice of development.
A special focus will be placed on addressing the role of private, transnational actors, including the power and responsibility of large corporations as development actors, their regulation, and development controversies surrounding global trade policy, supply chain regulation, and financial markets. To do so, we will link development research with theories of global governance, transnational regulation, and global political economy. We will also present empirical highlights on transnational policy controversies concerning private corporations and regulatory governance.
The seminar will enable students to deepen their knowledge of development concepts and political-economic paradigms. It will encourage students to engage critically with the sometimes contradictory assumptions and policies associated with these concepts. They will learn to reflect critically on development discourse, its different theoretical approaches, and the related practices of development cooperation, with a view to engaging with their own research projects.
The course is open to students of MA Internationale Beziehungen und Entwicklungspolitik and MA Development and Governance.
Students are expected to attend regularly, to read assigned texts, and to engage actively in our discussions.
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