Global Development Studies

This 3-week course explores the following topics:

Topic 1: Overview of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The course starts with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driven by the United Nations. The SDGs are framed by the UN as a ‘call for action by all countries ... to promote prosperity while protecting the planet’. The strengths and weaknesses of the SDG initiative are examined. Case studies of different ways of measuring levels of development in countries are discussed.

Topic 2: The Global ‘Crisis of Governance’: Liberal Democracy, Authoritarianism, Corruption and Development

The second topic centres on an analysis of the ‘global crisis of governance’. Whether undemocratic regimes are obstacles to development is examined. Case studies of different forms of corruption, and their consequences for the development of societies, are discussed.

Topic 3: Migration, the Refugee Crisis and Humanitarian Responses

The focus of topic three is migration issues, the refugee crisis and the work of humanitarian agencies. The case of migration to Europe is evaluated.

Topic 4: Foreign Aid – It’s Good, It’s Bad, It Depends

Topic four moves on from examining the work of humanitarian agencies to provide a more detailed analysis of foreign aid. The shifting nature of aid as provided by Western donors, such as the US and the UK, is outlined. The rising importance of non-Western donors in shaping the future ideology of aid, as well as its implementation on the ground, is considered. Case studies of Chinese aid are outlined and discussed.

Topic 5: The Global Environmental Crisis

Topic five is the global environmental crisis, focusing on different proposed solutions to problems, such as climate change. Case studies of the work of radical environmental groups are assessed.

Topic 6: Civil Society Organisations: Can Citizen-led Groups Bring Major Change to Societies?

Topic six is based on an examination of arguments that civil society organisations, formed without state interference and led by citizens, can bring major changes to individual societies and the world as a whole. Case studies of the work of civil society organisations in Asia, Africa and Europe are introduced.

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.