Module: GEO4100-20 Global Development

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Giovanna Gioli

Module Tutor Contact Details: g.gioli@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

A significant proportion of the world’s population live in poverty, population growth rates remain high in developing regions, girls are still less likely to enrol in primary education, over tens of millions of people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, and annual emissions of carbon dioxide continue to increase. This module will help you to understand why these challenges remain a feature of the 21st century.

The module explores and critiques models and theories of development, the wider goals of development and the role of development organisations (such as World Bank and NGOs) at different scales. Also considered are the ways in which global economic structures and flows (e.g. of people, money, goods, resources) impact on peoples in developing countries in economic, socio-cultural and environmental terms.

Processes of capitalism and globalisation will be considered, with reference to population characteristics and migration, communications and other new technologies, trade and aid. Sustainable development is explored in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly issues of resource depletion, social contexts and livelihoods. The module also critiques the historical trends which have resulted in ongoing global inequalities and examines the ways in which individuals and organisations have acted to resist dominant forms of global economy and culture.

Through study and discussion of case-study examples you will gain a greater understanding of the realities of life in developing areas, and an understanding of temporal and spatial differences in poverty and development.

2. Outline syllabus:

The curriculum will be drawn from topics, which may include:

Defining development

Theories and models of development

Sustainable development

Development organisations

Urban and rural development

Environment and poverty

Inequality, vulnerability and livelihoods

Globalisation and resistance

Gender and development

Migration and development

Indigenous communities and development

Global capitalism and development

Colonialism and postcolonialism

Development, climate change and disasters

3. Teaching and learning activities:

You will attend one keynote lecture and one seminar/workshop each week. The structure of the programme provides a logical flow from the issues and topics raised in formal lectures to discussions and debates that will explore key issues in greater detail using case studies from around the globe. Preparatory reading for seminars will be indicated.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Group Poster (1,600 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Briefing Paper (2,400 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 60%