DSOC 5200 - [Rethinking Global Development:New Frameworks for Understanding Poverty, Inequality and Growth in 21C]

(CA-AG)

Fall. Next offered 2019-2020. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: DSOC 2050 or permission of instructor. Co-meets with DSOC 3200.

R. Bezner Kerr.

This course investigates the theoretical and historical genealogies of Development practice as well as new ideas for development and globalization approaches. We begin by analyzing the dominant approaches to development. We wrestle with the historical context, key political economic processes and institutions, and conflicting theories and meanings that fall under the rubric of development and its modern sister, globalization. We will see that ‘thinking sociologically’ about development involves understanding how the meaning of places and regions are socially constructed, the power dynamics and historical dimensions of different aspects of development and globalization, and how theoretical and conceptual frameworks about development have been debated. The second half of the class focuses on alternative conceptions and contemporary issues related to development and globalization. We will try be sensitive to regional differences based on historical experiences and geographical particularities, but will give attention to overarching themes and dominant political economic processes. By the end, it is hoped that you will have a good foundation to evaluate competing claims about development issues and situate these in context.

Outcome 1: Explain, evaluate and effectively interpret factual claims, foundational theories and assumptions about development.

Outcome 2: Critically evaluate information about development.

Outcome 3: Articulate a range of diverse perspectives on development.

Outcome 4: Formulate a position/argument about an ethical issue in development from multiple perspectives and use ethical practice in all work.