ANTH44215: Anthropology and Development

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• To give students advanced subject-specific knowledge which is core to development anthropology. The course is seminar-based, giving students the opportunity to read, synthesise and present recent primary literature and major review within the full range of development anthropology. Thus, students are brought to contact with up-to-date research, are encouraged to evaluate it critically, and gain practice in presenting relevant material to others.

• A broad range of critical themes, including:
• Trends in development theory and practice
• Poverty
• Neoliberalism and globalisation
• Indigenous and local knowledge
• Participatory development (opportunities and dangers)
• NGOs and civil society
• Governance
• Anthropologys contested relationship to/with development practice
• Sustainability and post-development
• Gender equity
• Global health
• Ethics and development

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• a) Historical background and current literature in development and the anthropology of development
• b) Theoretical underpinnings of development anthropology
• c) Areas of debate and controversy in contemporary development anthropology

Subject-specific Skills:

• a) Practical and theoretical training to enable continuation to PhD level research in development anthropology, with appropriate support and facilities, or to carry out applied anthropological research in development contexts.
• b) Ability to synthesise, critically evaluate and present complex anthropological material, including data, models and theoretical arguments.

Key Skills:

• Students should be able to express themselves clearly and concisely on technical topics, and explain why particular issues are important and/or controversial.

• This is an intensive seminar-based course. Contributing teaching staff set out the broad contexts and key issues. Seminars provide an opportunity for students to read, synthesize and present recent primary references and major reviews within the full range of development anthropology. Students prepare presentations individually and collaboratively. Thus students are brought into contact with up-to-date research are encouraged to evaluate it critically and gain practice in presenting relevant materials to others and in learning collaboratively.
• Summative assessment consists of an essay of 3,000 words. The essay topic will be chosen specifically to encourage students to draw on concepts from throughout the module, rather than being able to use material from only one or two sessions, demonstrating knowledge of technical expertise and controversy.

Formative assessment will be a book review (1,500 words), to encourage close reading of a key text and ability to situate an argument within the context of a wider theoretical debate. Informal feedback on student presentations / discussions within seminars will also help students to hone their communication and critical evaluation skills.

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