Social Change, Culture and Development (L2107N)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

On this module, you'll explore how development is not just about economic change, but also involves significant social and cultural aspects.

You'll start by examining how development practices and ideas are embedded in cultural contexts, with a focus on how the development industry is historically and culturally tied to western ideas of progress, rationality, and individuality.

You'll also explore alternative conceptions of progress. This includes both different visions of future development and the negative impacts development policies can have on local people, communities, and cultures.

Throughout the module, you'll engage with questions of power and cultural relativism, considering what happens when conflicting interests arise and who or what ultimately shapes development interventions.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 20 hours of contact time and about 130 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.