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Module Title
LM Development Policy and Politics
School
Government
Department
International Development
Module Code
08 30273
Module Lead
Jonathan Fisher
Level
Masters Level
Credits
20
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
None
Exclusions
Description
The politics of a country has a profound impact on levels of development. Where once development scholars and practitioners overlooked or ignored this fact – focusing instead on economic growth and industry, today it is widely accepted that “politics matters”. How, though, does politics matter? How do different kinds of political dynamic and relationship impact upon development and how can – or should – policy-makers and practitioners, domestic and international, best “think and work politically”?
The module focuses on answering these questions from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Basing itself firmly in real-life practice and policy, the sessions show how theories and concepts about politics and development operate on the ground and introduce students to a range of tools and frameworks used in the policy world to “think and work politically”.
Focusing on theories of political development, formal politics (including the roles of elites), politics beyond the state (including NGOs, social movements and religious organizations) and the politics of the “everyday”, the module explores a range of themes including corruption and patronage, pro-poor politics, political culture and identity to introduce students to the complex and often fluid political environments in developing countries. In doing so, the module draws comparisons within and between both countries and regions and examines the role and impact of global political institutions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Describe and explain politics in developing countries at the national and regional levels
Critically analyse the concepts, theories and approaches relating to the politics of development
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how the principles and theories of development politics may be applied to the practical situations facing policy makers in developing countries, and internationally
Critically analyse and explain the impact of politics on poverty and development in developing countries
Evaluate a range of political analysis frameworks in the context of developing countries
Assessment
30273-01 : Assignment 1 - 2000 words : Coursework (40%)
30273-02 : Assignment 2 - 3000 words : Coursework (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: One 2,000 word assignment worth 40%
One 3,000 word assignment worth 60%
Reassessment: One resubmission is allowed, where the module has been failed in aggregate (i.e. less than 50%).
