The module invites students to think critically about knowledge, theories and frameworks as the foundation for study, analyses and skills training for tackling development challenges. This module explores the key theories which underpin the emergence, foundation and evolution of the field of International Development. By examining ‘theories’ we explore the ways that knowledge is constructed – What assumptions do we make? What concepts do we employ? What explanations do we propose? What normative judgements do we make? No study of International Development can be comprehensive or uncontested. Although we will examine the major approaches and debates, our coverage cannot be exhaustive. This module will give students a sound basis for thinking critically about international development, explore alternative approaches and different problems in the field and the sector. This module sets the conceptual, theoretical and contextual foundations for the practice and skills-centred module (PO9F9) in Term 2.

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• evaluate contending accounts of International Development

• assess relations of structure and agency in the politics of social change and development

• provide the conceptual and theoretical foundations for policy practice and skills

• evaluate different theoretical approaches as explanatory lenses on Development theory and practice

• assess the implications of development in a globalised world for the workings of governance at both international and national levels.