Interdisciplinary Studies 312:

THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

 

Instructor: Linda Raven, MA International Development and Social Change

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:   Development is an interdisciplinary topic drawing heavily upon the fields of economics, sociology, anthropology, and political science.  This course takes an interdisciplinary look at development in southern Africa, particularly related to Namibia’s status as a relatively new nation emerging from colonialism and apartheid.  The course seeks to introduce students to the development discourse from the perspectives of those actively participating in the development process (e.g., government officials, aid workers) and those actively critiquing development and development activities.  Students will define development, examine prominent theories of development, and explore the special development challenges facing southern Africa. 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS:

1. Students will examine the benefits and challenges of the development process in Namibia and southern Africa.

2. Students will consider the interrelated aspects of society that affect development.

3. Students will critically assess the major development theories with regard to the Namibian / southern African context

4. Students will explore the impact of globalization and international trade policies on grassroots development in Namibia and southern Africa.

5. Students will examine the role gender has played in development activities historically and articulate ways in which development can impact genders differently.

6. Students will articulate different definitions of sustainability and why it is a key concept in development.

7. Students will explain how globalization affects the interests of poor nations and poor people, and articulate strategies for incorporating the needs of the poor in design and implementation of the ongoing and accelerating process of global integration.

8. Students will analyze the process of international aid, and describe how that process affects the outcomes of aid.

9. Finally, students will describe and discuss their role in the process of development and social change.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY: The instructor will use a variety of strategies (discussions, readings, guest speakers, exercises, lectures, homestays, travel seminar to South Africa, and field trips to NGOs and aid organizations) to give students a broad view of the field of development. This class is not meant to provide answers; it is more interested in exploring interesting questions and themes.  There is no one “correct” approach to development.  Thus, the instructor will not teach from one paradigm but will incorporate a variety of perspectives with the aim of encouraging students to critically assess different approaches to development and formulate their own views.  The instructor will encourage students to draw on their prior experiences and academic work.

 

COURSE DESIGN: This survey course is divided into the following units:

Unit 1:    What is Development?

Unit 2:    Development and Poverty

Unit 3:    Globalization and Equality

Unit 4:    Foreign Direct Investment

Unit 5:    Gender and Development

Unit 6:    Sustainability and Community Based Natural Resource Management

Unit 7:    International Aid

Unit 8:    Social Action, Signs of Hope, and Course Wrap-Up