Introduction To Development Studies

Module description

This module provides a critical introduction to some of the key concepts and debates in development studies. It addresses such questions as: What does “development” actually mean, and who defines and measures it? What is an “emerging economy”? What have been some of the key development challenges facing the Global South and the international community? What are some of the major theoretical perspectives on development, and how have they changed over time? What are the most important issues in international development? The module is a mixture of theory and issues. Theory covered includes human development, critical structural theories, post-development, and neoliberalism. Issues include emerging economies, sustainability, human rights, and governance.

Assessment details

Semester 1:

• 1 x 2,000 Word Final Essay (30%)

Semester 2: 

• 1 x 2,000 Word Final Essay (30%)
• 1 x 1,000 Word Graphic Poster (40%) 

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to:

• Introduce students to key contemporary policy issues faced by emerging economies.
• Introduce students to trends in and policy responses to issues faced by all emerging economies such as sustaining economic development and avoiding the 'middle income trap'; rising within - country inequalities; the emergence of new (and often insecure) middle classes, environmental sustainability and governance and institutions.
• Introduce students to how the contemporary policy challenges of emerging economies differ across in each of the following regions: Latin America; East and Southeast Asia and Africa.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module:

• Students will be able to critically engage with key debates on emerging economies with regional specialisation in Latin America; East and Southeast Asia and Africa.
• Students will be able to critically engage with key contemporary development policy debates related to emerging economies such as sustaining economic development and the 'middle income trap'; trends in and policy responses to rising within - country inequalities; the new (insecure) middle classes, environmental sustainability and governance and institutions.
• Students will be able to make use of the various data sources and limitations for data on development. - Students will be able understand comparative trends and extent of 'development' in its various dimensions in different regions.

Teaching pattern

20 x 2 hr lecture

20 x 1 hr seminars

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.