Courses
Compulsory Courses
Development Theory and Practice
Globalization and Development in Asia and the Pacific
Politics of Public Policy
Research Methodology in Development Studies
Elective Courses
Communication, Democratization, and Development
Conflict Resolution
Development Project Management
Human Rights and Gender Problems in Asia and the Pacific
Migration as a Development Issue
Selected Topics in Development and Economy
Environmental Politics and Policy
Development Practicum
Critical Issues in Development Studies: Urban and Rural Transformations in Developing Countries
Development Theory and Practice
This course focuses on the concept of development, development theories and aspects of practices in the real world. Equally important is the interplay between theory and practice and the outcome of this relationship. The course provides a comprehensive survey of development thinking from ‘classical’ development ideas to alternative and postdevelopment theories. The course then attempts to critically review contemporary debates about development, including the link between modernity and development, participation, empowerment, gender and the role of the development practitioner.
Contemporary practical themes that arise in this course, such as trade, food sovereignty, and corporate social responsibility will be explored in greater detail in the “Critical Issues in Development” course in Semester Two.
Course Syllabus
Globalisation and Development in Asia and the Pacific
This course examines globalisation, its socio-economic consequences, and their implications for state power, security, culture and governance. Focusing on the relationship between politics and economy and the interplay of domestic societies and transnational and international forces, the course analyses opportunities and tensions arising from increasing cross-border transactions and spillovers, which both erode and expand differences within and among countries, undermine the autonomy of governments, change the functions of the state, and call into question international governance based on the principle of nation-state sovereignty. Different perspectives pertaining to these problems will be critically examined and discussed. This course also explores the cultural bias inherent in development thinking, praxis and ideologies within the context of East and Southeast Asia on models and issues of uniqueness. By the end of this course, students will learn to what extent globalisation imposes limits on politics and culture and the resulting impact on the nature of governance and security.
Politics of Public Policy
This course aims to introduce students to key concepts of public policy and to familiarise students with the underlying structure and dynamics of public policy processes. It also examines definitions and basic ideas of non-state actors, collective actions of social and political movements, and interest and pressure groups in the public policy process. Selected cases drawn from various policy areas of developmental concern will be examined using a number of analytical approaches to critically discuss each process of formulation, implementation, and evaluation. A substantial part of the course will emphasise the political dimensions of the multiple roles that various actors play in the policy process, particularly their impact on agenda setting and policy implementation, including case studies of civil society organisations and people's participation in political and social change.
Research Methods in Development Studies
This course introduces students to a variety of research methods and techniques currently used in social research. It also aims to expose students to as many methods and techniques as possible and to encourage them to apply such methods in development studies-related research. Discussions in the class cover both quantitative and qualitative methods, such as statistical techniques, analysis of quantitative data, exploratory research, social surveys, interviewing, participant-observation, focus group discussion, tracing family’s and community’s histories, fieldwork, planning and action-related research, and documentary research. All this, in other words, can be roughly categorized into two sets: those relating to the conventional social research and those to development-related issues. Guest lecturers are experienced researchers who will provide background, insights and tips on research methods, data analysis, research application and research conducting-related difficulties.
Course Syllabus
Communication, Democratisation and Development
Role of communication in the political and developmental process of national and transnational modern societies, focusing on the way in which political, community leaders and ordinary citizens interact within the realm of networked communication; technological development and regulatory changes altering the stakes for key groups concerned with democracy and development; adjustment of various groups to these changes.
Conflict Resolution
The aim of this course is to enable students to better understand the courses and the complexity of conflicts. It will also expose the students to major conflict resolutions and conditions need to be taken into considerations. The objectives are as follows:
- To provide a comprehensive framework for conflict analysis.
- To explore approaches to and frameworks of peaceful conflict resolution.
- To investigate the role and relationship of development and conflicts.
Key fields:
- understanding conflicts in an increasingly globalised society, focusing particularly on intra-state conflict between the state and the people in state formation and development processes;
- analysis of conflicts as an important step to resolutions, including evaluation of roots causes, dynamics, impacts and consequences of conflicts;
- the relationship between development and conflicts with an emphasis on the role of globalisation in shaping the nature of conflicts and resolutions;
- observation of the use of violence in conflict processes and exploration of various possibilities of peaceful conflict resolution including problem solving, mediation, negotiation, and mechanisms in democratic decision-making process.
The course uses interactive teaching methods and extended case studies. It deals with real world context as well as theory, aiming to equip students with practical skills and understanding whilst also promoting a critical approach. Case studies and theory are relevant to current challenges in Southeast Asia, whilst also appreciating problems elsewhere.
Development Project Management
The course provides an introduction to skills and techniques which are commonly seen as basic in the management of development projects. They include: project conception; logical frameworks; qualitative and quantitative surveys for needs and impact assessment; cost-benefit analysis; ethical standards and systems of accountability; budgets and financial control; and the writing of proposals and reports. But alongside promoting competence in these, the course explores the intrinsic flaws and biases in such practices, asking what the broader developmental implications are of carving out projects amenable to management. The aim is to help students become potential employees who can work effectively in development organizations, but who are also reflective and critical people rather than functionaries of a system. At the same time the course should be of value to aspiring scholars and policy-makers who wish to be able to relate questions of the power and effectiveness of aid to its established practices and the problems which beset them.
Environmental Politics and Policy
This course explores the key environmental challenges facing people and the planet, and the rise of the environment as a policy and a political issue. The course begins by critically discussing the range of ethics and ideological positioning towards the environment, from survivalism to preservationism to promethianism. Environmental policy-making and the principles and practice of environmental governance at the local, national and global scale will be thoroughly discussed, identifying the role, positioning and strategies of the key actors involved. Environmental issues, including natural resource use (forests, rivers…), energy, and global warming will be explored, illustrated with case studies from within Southeast Asia and globally. We will use the tools of political ecology, for example common property theory and theories on science, power and knowledge, to help us integrate our understanding of society’s economic, political and cultural interactions with the environment. Overall, we will seek to define and refine our understanding of “sustainable development,” and ask whether it is possible to achieve a form of “sustainable development” that encompasses economic growth, environmental protection and social justice?
Gender and Human Rights Problems in Asia and the Pacific
This course provides an opportunity to pursue studies in the application of theories of gender and human rights to contemporary ethical and social issues arising from “development”. Students will explore specific and controversial topics in areas such as poverty, social justice, individual and group rights, administration of justice, living standards, work, bio-ethics and genetics, environment, sexual and racial equality, child labour, mental health, illness, human and social security, energy, corruption, Asian values and cultural diversity. This course encourages students to link theses specific and practical areas into gender and human rights questions relevant to the experiences of East and Southeast Asia.
Migration as a Development Issue
Approaches to international migration, migration systems and migration policies. The nature of flows and patterns of population movements in the region and major types of mobility are discussed. Students learn about issues in international migration and their implications for regional economic, social and political stability, policy cooperation as well as multiculturalism and development.
Selected Issues in Development and Economy
This seminar will explore selected issues in economic management in developing countries. Experience from one or more countries will be used as a case studies to examine economic reforms, structural adjustments, hunger and famine, etc. This course will also highlight political problems and social aspects of economic policy formulation and implementation.
An opportunity for practical applications of previously studied development theories, conceptual frameworks and methodologies, including analysis of problems and needs assessment, project development and innovation, assessment and evaluation, and problem-solving activities. Students will be temporarily working with development organizations on a mutually agreed subject.
Critical Issues in Development Studies: Urban and Rural Transformations in Developing Countries
Objectives of the Course:
1. Basic Understanding of the Urban and Rural Transformations and their Connection with Development Issues in Developing Countries; in three dimensions - theories, realities, and practices
2. Basic Skills in Researching Urban and Rural Transformation in Developing Countries
3. Basic Understanding Planning Intervention of Urban and Rural Transformation in Developing Countries Remarks: More emphasis on urban dimensions and Thailand+Southeast Asian issues
