Development Studies: The Diversity of Development
This course offers current interpretations of development processes and patterns in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Taking into account the many social, economic, cultural, political, and institutional dimensions of development, the approach is strongly oriented towards the dimensions of space and place. Thus, from a geographical perspective the course focuses on the spatial dynamics of economy and society in developing countries. What are the main dimensions of development in the Third World? What are the main causes for change? What opportunities and barriers for development exist? What are the major strategies to induce development? What coping strategies are employed by the poor? These are some of the questions that are discussed. Central to the course is the recognition of the multiple meanings of development and its manifold local expressions within an interdependent world.

 

Format
The course covers a period of 16 weeks. Students and professor meet twice a week for two-hour periods. A variety of activities take place, such as lectures, literature study, discussion, paper writing, presentations, and written examinations. Each of the lectures and other classroom activities is related to a particular section of the literature, usually one chapter of the textbook and additional journal articles. There is a balance between lectures and student-led seminars throughout the course.  In addition to the core reading, students are encouraged to explore further sources. Suggestions for supplementary reading are offered for most sessions. 

During the course, three short essays (max. 800 words) are written individually on a particular issue related to geography and development. Immediately after the break, a mid-term exam is held which is later complemented by a final examination at the end of the course.

The last three weeks of the course are reserved for the writing and subsequent presentation of individual research papers. These papers deal with a topic related to the central theme of the course: Diversity of Development, and have an explicit geographical perspective. The students must submit their proposal for approval. The paper proposal consists of a central research question, a provisional outline, and a provisional list of sources that are considered relevant. The length of the paper should be no more than 3500 words (including tables, maps, and references).