INTL 422/522 Aid to Developing Countries Spring 2008
INTL 422/522 Aid to Developing Countries Spring 2008 |
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Course Syllabus and Outline We will try to break down into small group discussions as much as possible. Therefore, try to finish all readings prior to the beginning of the segment in which they will be discussed. Limited recommended readings have been included as background supplements and for those who would like to read further on a given issue. Readings other than those from the required texts have been kept at a minimum, and have been placed on reserve in the Knight library. Course Objectives 1. To understand how the global system of bilateral and multilateral development assistance is structured and functions today, and to critically assess its effectiveness; 2. To understand the historical background to the current system, as well as various orientations towards globalization and development assistance; 3. To gain an awareness of the various actors involved in international development assistance and in the development process, particularly i) the United Nations and its constituent multilateral donor agencies; ii) key bilateral donor agencies (especially JICA and USAID); iii) international non-governmental organizations (INGOs); and iv) local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 4. To learn specific skills including how a project is envisioned and planned, assessment tools (e.g., RRA, LFA and PRA), how to promote participatory development, and standard evaluative methods (e.g., ‘successes, failures and lessons learned’) Course Outline
WEEK I April 1-3 Introduction to the course, the project process, and Please review the project information (on a separate handout) and ascertain your top three choices for a group you’d like to be in. We will try to finalize the group project list on the first day of class. Tom Stave (International Documents, Knight library) joins us on April 3rd to discuss strategies for project research. Required Reading:
WEEK II April 8-10 Historical contexts of Globalization and Development assistance Required Reading: Address by General George C. Marshall, June 5, 1947 (The Marshall Plan)
WEEK III April 15-17 The debate over what is to be developed Required Reading: Stiglitz definition of globalization (from Globalization and its Discontents, p. 9) Read a podcast interview with William Easterly! Recommended Reading:
WEEKS IV, V Major forms of assistance; Methods used in project planning, Required Reading:
WEEK VI May 6 In-class mid-term examination Review guide here
WEEKS VI, VII Policy dialogue, the mandate of the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals), Required Reading: WEEK VIII Democratization, Poverty Alleviation and Human Rights *Note: Country reports and donor profiles due in class on May 20; now accessible via the "Participants" page on this website Required Reading: Recommended Reading:
WEEK IX How does aid work? *Note for May 27th: Based on additional information they have garnered from the donor profiles, each country group will make a 15-minute presentation based on their aid needs. *Note for May 29th: We will hold our Aid Consortium Simulation, an opportunity for donor organizations and countries to meet face-to-face, make bargains and reach some understanding. The consortium will be held in Century Rooms A, B, C, D, E, and F in the EMU.
Required Reading: FINAL CLASS MEETING: Friday, June 6th, 6:30 p.m. [Final essay assignment due in class] You are cordially invited to attend the concluding ceremonies of the International Development Assistance Consortium. Participants are requested to bring food and/or beverages from their respective countries. We will have the opportunity to critique the aid process as well as the course. Note to delegates:
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