International development

Global Development Challenges and Innovation

Module code: AF002
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay

This module will introduce you to two related areas of development:

• global challenges
• innovative responses to these challenges.

Global challenges will be presented by experts in the field. You will:

• explore how problems are defined, measured and recorded
• look at international development processes (SDGs and MDGs) to understand how corresponding actions are determined across scale, from the global to the local level
• examine a range of innovative responses to each development challenge discussed.

You will work in groups to develop an in-depth understanding of a specific country’s response to the development challenge outlined in the previous week’s lecture. In these groups, you will draw on multimedia resources and your own creativity to explore:

• how responses are developed and by whom
• how they are financed and communicated
• how support is mobilised
• different ways to measure their success or failure.

Module learning outcomes

• 1. Develop a critical understanding of key development challenges.
• 2. Demonstrate a capacity to critically reflect on the politics and processes that underpin responses to development challenges
• 3. Engage effectively and creatively in collaborative activities with others to achieve common goals that reflect the potential needs of future employers
• 4. Demonstrate good writing skills that showcase the student’s ability to be reflexive and to engage with academic and policy literature.