Key Thinkers in Development (L2145)

15 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

Who are the main thinkers in international development? What do they say, and why do they disagree? Are thinkers from the past still relevant today?

In this module, you’ll explore some of the most influential thinkers in international development. You’ll learn about their contrasting perspectives on global issues and their different visions of what development means.

You’ll be introduced to key figures such as:

• Adam Smith
• Karl Marx
• Frantz Fanon
• Naila Kabeer
• Diane Elson
• Amartya Sen.

 This module will help you understand why these thinkers offer differing views on the world and how their ideas continue to shape development today.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 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.