Global Development Issues and Responses

Maynooth University

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Global Development Issues and Responses

  • Host University

    Maynooth University

  • Location

    Dublin, Ireland

  • Area of Study

    International Economics, International Relations, International Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    5
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4.5
  • Overview

    Module Details - Department of International Development

    KD310 - Global Development Issues and Responses (Contemporary Issues and Policies)

    5 ECTS Credits

    Introduction:

    This module on ‘Global Development Issues and Responses’ focuses on the big challenges facing our world today and how we can respond to them. It aims to enhance students’ understanding of international development priorities and policies and their knowledge of Ireland's and the EU's relationship with the wider world. The module will examine the causes and consequences of climate change, globalisation and migration and the roles of government, business, civil society and individuals in addressing these global challenges.

    Learning Outcomes:

    On successful completion of the module, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the current international development priorities and policies, have critically engaged with contemporary debates in development policy, and have developed their own critical appraisal and presentation skills.

     

    Module – Questions and Topics Addressed:

    1. What are the major development challenges facing our world today? An Introduction to global development issues and theories, including understandings of development, measuring development and the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
    2. How does Globalisation affect Poverty and Inequality? The Social and Economic dimensions of globalisation, including understandings of globalisation, Ireland's and the EU's relationship with the wider world, global economic development systems, trade and international finance.
    3. What are the effects of Climate Change on development around the world and what are communities doing to respond to it? Economic and environmental sustainability, global population dynamics and sustainable development policies.
    4. How does migration affect poverty and the human rights of people and communities? Exploring the causes and consequences of migration on development in communities around the world, including a focus on humanitarian action.
    5. Who can make a difference when it comes to reducing global poverty and inequality? Examining the roles that governments, non-governmental organisations, businesses and civil society activists play in relation to global poverty and inequality with reference to case studies from the Irish and European context, and developing students’ skills and capacities to engage in active global citizenship.
    6. Field Trip – This will involve visits to key state and civil society organisations engaged in global development issues in Ireland and learning from them about their policies and strategies for global development.

     

    Assessment:

    Students will be asked to critically reflect on their learning throughout the module and to develop a learning diary which will be presented in the form of a final reflection paper (2,500 words). 40% is the pass standard required.

    Full attendance for this module is compulsory.

    Delivery and Teaching:

    This module will be delivered using a combination of methods. The emphasis will be on participatory and experiential learning where students are encouraged to reflect on their understanding and questions they have in the light of their own experience. Lecturers will introduce students to new material using a variety of media and students will learn interactively through group work, case studies, games and role plays.

    The module will be facilitated by the core academic staff in the Department of International Development, each of whom will draw on their years of experience, their own research and their expertise to enhance the learning experience for participants.

    Guideline Reading:

    There is no single textbook for this module but the following readings will be helpful for various aspects of the course:

    Fagan, H. and Munck, R. (2018) Handbook on Development and Social Change, UK, Edward Elgar Publishing. [Available through the MU library as an e-book]

    Haslam, P.A., Schafer, J. and Beaudet, P. (eds) (2016) Introduction to International Development: Approaches, Actors and Issues, Third Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press. [Available in the MU Library]

    McCann, G. and McCloskey, S. (2015) From the Local to the Global: Key Issues in Development Studies, London: Pluto Press. [Available through the MU library as an e-book]

    McMichael, P. (2017) Development and Social Change – A Global Perspective, Sixth Edition.

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations

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