COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the development program, students gain a comprehensive introduction to global development, blending theoretical foundations with practical insights. The core modules lay the groundwork by addressing complex global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and food security, through interdisciplinary approaches. Students critically engage with key development concepts, including human development, neoliberalism, and decolonization, enabling them to understand the social, cultural, and economic processes behind global inequalities. This approach helps students to form a well-rounded perspective on development, considering not only the economic but also the political and cultural dimensions of global challenges. A particular focus is given to understanding the roles of various actors in addressing global issues, such as states, social movements, and civil society organizations, fostering an appreciation of the multifaceted nature of development solutions. By examining different perspectives on development, students are encouraged to think critically about the effectiveness of global policies and practices. Furthermore, students are introduced to the economics of development, exploring key topics such as the economics of poverty, inequality, economic growth, and international trade. This module provides the necessary tools for analyzing development challenges from an economic perspective, allowing students to critically evaluate policy interventions in various contexts. Through these modules, students build a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied development economics, preparing them for more advanced studies in subsequent years. The first year is designed to equip students with a diverse, critical, and analytical approach to global development, setting the stage for deeper exploration of specific regional, thematic, and economic issues in the later years of the program.