Global Development (352-0-20)

Instructors

James L Mahoney
847/491-2626
Scott Hall, Room 402, Evanston Campus
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/james-mahoney.html

Meeting Info

555 Clark B01: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course explores the economic and social changes that have constituted "development," and that have radically transformed human society. The course focuses on both the historical experience of Europe and the contemporary experience of countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In the historical discussion, we explore the birth of the "nation state" as the basic organizing unit of the international system; the transition from agrarian to industrial economic systems; and the expansion of European colonialism across the globe. In our discussion of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, we consider the legacies of colonialism for development; the ways in which countries have attempted to promote economic development and industrialization; and issues of inequality and human welfare in an increasingly globally connected world.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn about the historical experience of Europe and "the people without history" as well as the contemporary experience of countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In the historical discussion, we explore the evolution of human society from antiquity to the modern nation-state; the transition from agrarian to industrial economic systems; and the expansion of European colonialism across the globe. In our discussion of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, we consider the legacies of colonialism for development; the ways in which countries have attempted to promote economic development and industrialization; and issues of inequality and human welfare in an increasingly globally connected world.

Teaching Method

Lecture

Evaluation Method

Midterm exam, research paper, and final exam. Attendance at lecture is required.

Class Materials (Required)

Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (New York: Harper, 2015). ISBN: 978-0062316097

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area