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Political Economy of Development (368-0-20)

Instructors

Busra Nur Karakoc

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-420: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Why are some countries rich and others poor? This course explores key factors that shape the development trajectory of nations, drawing on work from political science, economics, and sociology. We will examine various aspects of development, including but not limited to economic growth. A primary focus of the course is how political institutions influence development outcomes. Topics covered include the relationship between democracy and development, the role of the state, consequences of natural resources and corruption, and the impact of foreign aid. Lectures and readings will include examples from various countries around the world. We will also explore such conceptual areas as gender, the environment, ethnicity, and war and examine how they apply to developing countries and their development processes. To make these concepts more tangible, we will draw examples from several cases including China, Brazil, Mexico, Sierra Leone and Malaysia. It is the goal of this course that, by the end, we are able to think critically and creatively about the reasons for and ways out of underdevelopment.

Registration Requirements

Recommended prerequisite class: POLI_SCI 240, Introduction to International Relations

Learning Objectives

The main goal of this course is to equip you with many theoretical tools to make sense of the complex relationships, power dynamics, and interests of international actors that are embedded in political economy of development. With a historical background, we will discuss the evolutions of our understanding of development. At the end of this course, you will:


  • Understand the significant development concepts, including human development, dependence, modernization, globalization, (in)equality, sustainability, international political economy.

  • Critically evaluate and apply political economy theories to explain variations in political systems of development.

  • Identify the key actors in development-including states, intergovernmental organizations, transnational corporations, global civil society, and individuals-and analyze how these actors' interests, ideas, and identities interact with structures to shape the international political economy.

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the key dimensions, events, and processes of international development within their historical contexts, such as the evolution of global capitalism, colonialism, the role of race, gender, and class in the structure of the modern world system, the features and effects of globalizing market capitalism, growing environmental problems, and human rights.

  • Demonstrate skills of critical analysis and written and oral communication, including the ability to: Read and reflect on disciplinary materials and literature carefully, critically, and insightfully; write well-organized, informed, logically argued, clear, persuasive, and stylistically correct essays and papers; Ddevelop critical questions and constructive feedback, participate actively in class discussions, present research projects, verbally express ideas clearly, logically and persuasively.

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

Attendance and Participation; Research project; Midterm; Final exam

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area