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International Development and Social Justice

Overview

Module description

In this introductory module you will gain an interdisciplinary knowledge of international development against a backdrop of struggles and movements for social justice, and consider how different approaches to, and critiques of, development have emerged from social and political movements.

We 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 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:

  • understand the historical, social and political contexts within which understandings of international development and social justice have emerged
  • critically engage with key concepts, theories and debates in relation to international development and social justice
  • 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.