Development Studies (DEST) 393 - Lecture 01
DEVELOPMENT STUDIES 393 (L01): THEORIES AND APPLICATIONS OF DEVELOPMENT
Winter 2007
Wednesdays, 14:00-16:50  

Instructor:	Dr. Aradhana Parmar
Office Location:	SS 336
Office Phone:	220-7708
E-Mail:	aparmar
Web Page:
Office Hours:	Wednesdays 15:00-16:00 pm

Additional Information

The course is based on the Blended Learning (BL) approach. It blends traditional teaching approaches such as face to face learning activities and learning through communication technologies such as Blackboard and the Internet. The BL approach is built on the theory of inquiry and is problem/question driven and involves an interactive, question driven search for meaning and understanding. Most importantly, inquiry requires self-direction which requires students to take responsibility for their own learning.

In class students will be engaging in discussion with the Professor and between each other. The object will be to obtain a significant understanding of the differing viewpoints on a given development theory or topic. To ensure valuable discussion, every student is required to read readings before class and bring a one page summary of readings to class (see the guidelines).

Course Description

This course is a sequel to the Introduction to Development (DEST 201) and it will build on the foundation of theories and approaches to development established in DEST 201. It will explore practical manifestations of modernization, dependency, world systems, neo-liberalism in both an international and local context. It will also examine development issues in greater depth, paying particular attention to the link between theory, practice and policy.

Objectives of the Course

The course will provide students with the tools for understanding and analyzing various theoretical concepts and practical issues relating to development, not just in the ‘Third World’ but within the Canadian context as well. It adopts an integrated approach that allows students to approach issues, concepts and theories from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Textbooks and Readings:

Black, Maggie (2002). The No-Nonsense Guide to Development. Oxford, Between the Lines. Seabrok, Jeremy (2003). The No-Nonsense Guide to World Poverty. Oxford, Between the Lines. Ransom, David (2001). The No-Nonsense Guide to Fair Trade. Oxford, Between the Lines.

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Assignments and Evaluation Participation 20% (Tutorials and Discussion) Article Summaries10% (Due before each Tutorial) Research Paper Proposal 5% (Due March 7th 2007) Research Paper 35% (Due April 4th 2007) NGO Project (Final Presentation) 10% (Due March 28th 2007) Final Take Home Exam 20% (Due December April 18th 2007) Total 100%

A full description of the assignments will be available on Blackboard.

Note: Please return assignments directly to the instructor if possible. If it is not possible to do so, a daytime drop box is available in SS110; a date stamp is provided for your use. A night drop box is also available for after-hours submission. Assignments will be removed the following morning, stamped with the previous day's date, and placed in the instructor's mailbox.

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: No

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented.

If you wish help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS110, 220-7255.

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (86-91); B+ (81-85); B (77-80); B- (71-76);
C+ (65-70); C (62-64); C- (59-61); D+ (55-58); D (50-54); F (0-49)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people’s words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

To be handed out in class.