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International Development and Social Justice

Overview

Module description

This introductory module will equip you with an interdisciplinary knowledge of international development against a backdrop of struggles and movements for social justice. It will consider how different approaches to, and critiques of, development have emerged from social and political movements. The module will critically engage with key theoretical perspectives that have shaped and challenged thinking on international development and social justice, including anti-imperialist, post/decolonial, critical race, intersectional feminist and degrowth approaches.

Indicative module syllabus

  • Colonialism and the development of capitalism in Europe
  • Anticolonial movements and developmentalism
  • Modernisation, dependency and third world nationalism
  • Marxism, revolution and agrarian transformation
  • Neoliberalism
  • Post-development, indigenous resistance and the pluriverse
  • Feminisms in and against development
  • Sexual and reproductive rights and justice
  • The right to the city in the Global South
  • Degrowth, green new deals and climate reparations
  • Decolonial, anti-racist and anti-imperialist movements

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the historical, social and political contexts within which understandings of international development and social justice have emerged, with a particular focus on theorising from the Global South
  • critically engage with key concepts, theories and debates in relation to international development and social justice, drawing on your knowledge of relevant literature and other materials relating to the topics.
  • critically assess and analyse a range of development approaches, theories, institutions and practices from a social justice informed perspective
  • clearly articulate informed positions on a range of debates relating to international development and social justice both verbally and in writing.