This course will provide you with an overview of key theoretical perspectives and debates which underpin various approaches to both local and global development. This will also include exploring alternative understandings of development.

Throughout this course you will analyse the work of some of the key thinkers, theories and policies that have shaped development over the past 60 years. Emphasis is also placed on how the term 'development' has evolved as a key area of policy associated with global institutions of influence over questions of sustainable development.

You will investigate the values underpinning development as a set of economic, political, social and cultural objectives, and consider contemporary critiques of the dominant ideas and practices in the development field, including new debates arising from decoloniality. In addition, the 'language of development' as an accepted set of arguments and statements of fact is considered in relation to the development process itself.