POL201H1Y L0101
Politics of Development
Themes
This course seeks to introduce students to the politics of development in countries of the Global South (Latin America, Africa and Asia) from WWII to the present. It attempts to provide a balanced mix of current issues and challenges facing developing countries and theoretical approaches to development as well as controversies revolving around the concept and practice of development. The course begins with an introduction to the idea of “development,” its ideological roots and how the various theoretical models have shaped both “Third World” strategies of development and how we think about that part of the globe. We will proceed to consider the extent to which international institutions and development aid regimes have influenced the prospects and policy choices of developing countries. The course then moves on to explore national political dynamics and more specific issues developing nations face. These will include the politics of regime change, state-society relations and the complex processes of democratization. We will also examine a range of development challenges such as food security, land and rural issues, health and social/human development, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and the AIDS epidemic.
Texts
TBA
Format and Requirements
Two lectures; and one tutorial seminar per week or as available. Essays, class participation, mid-term and final exam.
Prerequisites
4.0 credits or 1.0 POL credit