Global Political Economy of Development
This course will provide an international and inter-disciplinary overview of the major issues surrounding development theory and practice in the 20th and 21st centuries.
The two specific objectives of the course are:
(1) deepening of students’ theoretical understanding of the concept of development, as a field of global political economy; and
(2) a critical assessment of the results and future prospects of economic and political development.
The students taking this optional module will learn to critically evaluate the changing nature of development and development studies as a discipline, as well as to critically examine the practice/policy and guiding principles of developmental agendas today.
The whole course is framed by a strong background in Global Political Economy (the core course in the MA) and deep historical and critical perspective on development.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from your department
On this page you will shortly find information on registration, learning platform, etc.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
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For new international students
The two specific objectives of the course are:
(1) deepening of students’ theoretical understanding of the concept of development, as a field of global political economy; and
(2) a critical assessment of the results and future prospects of economic and political development.
The students taking this optional module will learn to critically evaluate the changing nature of development and development studies as a discipline, as well as to critically examine the practice/policy and guiding principles of developmental agendas today.
The whole course is framed by a strong background in Global Political Economy (the core course in the MA) and deep historical and critical perspective on development.
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Course structure
To obtain a passing grade on the course, the student should:
- Demonstrate a critical and deep understanding of development as a key historical and political issue within Global Political Economy.
- Evaluate different kinds of development strategies and agendas in place since 1945, including the theoretical and normative premises behind them.
- Obtain deeper knowledge through case studies and discussions about the different aspects of development and apply and develop an interdisciplinary approach to development issues.
- Understand and critically evaluate academic and policy literature related to development at the higher levels.
- Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including ability to evaluate advanced concepts and theories, to employ primary and secondary sources, to present reasoned and effective arguments in written and oral form, to make individual and group presentations, to pursue independent learning and to show critical judgment.
Teaching format
The course's teaching consists of lectures and seminars.
Attendance at seminars is mandatory. In case of absence, supplementation is made in accordance with the course manager's instructions. No more than a quarter of the seminars can be compensated.
For more detailed information, please refer to the course description. The course description is available on Stockholm University's teaching and collaboration platform (Athena) at least one month prior the start of the course.
Teaching is held in English.
Assessment
The course is assessed through (1) written and/or oral tasks and (2) participation in seminars.
Attendance at seminars is mandatory. In case of absence, supplementation is made in accordance with the course convener's instructions. No more than one quarter of the seminars can be compensated.
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Valid from 2023 and onwards
Books (for more details, as well as articles and single chapters, see the course description):
- Veltmeyer, Henry and Paul Bowles (eds.) (2022). The essential guide to critical development studies, London: Routledge, (Full book, Available as e-book at SU library)
- Desai, Vandana and Robert B. Potter, eds. (2014), The Companion to Development Studies, 3rd Edition, London: Routledge. (Full book).
- Peet, Richard and Elaine Hartwick (2015), Theories of Development: Contentions, Arguments, Alternatives, New York: Guildford Press (Full book)
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Contact
For general enquiries regarding applications, registration, and more:
Contact the Department's Master's Student Office: masterstudenter@ekohist.su.se
For enquiries regarding the course content:
Contact the course convenor, Gonzalo Pozo Martín
