INTL 422/522 Aid to Developing Countries
Spring 2013
INTL 422/522 Aid to Developing Countries Spring 2013 |
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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 are accessoble below via this course website. Course Objectives 1. To understand how the global system of bilateral and multilateral development assistance is structured and functions today, and to assess its effectiveness critically; 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 2-4 Introduction to the course, the project process, and development assistance as an issue Please review the project information and ascertain your top three choices for a group you’d like to be in. We will try to finalize the group project list by the end of the first week of classes (thereby underscoring the importance of starting to research this early!). Yen Tran (International Documents, Knight library) joins us on April 4th to discuss strategies for project research. Required Reading: WEEK II April 9-11 Historical contexts of Globalization and Development assistance Required Reading:
WEEK III April 16-18 The debate over what is to be developed Required Reading: Hear a podcast interview with William Easterly on 'Growth, Poverty, and Aid'! Link to op-ed by Jeffrey Sachs "Homegrown Aid" The New York Times April 8, 2009
WEEKS IV & V Major forms of assistance; Methods used in project planning, Where does USAID's money go? USAID Fast Facts on ODA Link to Review Guide for midterm exam is here Required Reading:
WEEK VI May 7 In-class mid-term examination WEEK VI May 9 Policy dialogue and structural adjustment Required Reading:
WEEK VII Democratization and Human Rights Required Reading:
WEEK VIII Global Diversity and Southern Empowerment *Note: Country reports and donor profiles due in class on May 21st and will be accessible via the course website by May 23rd Required Reading: TED talk (video): Sanjay Pradhan: How open data is changing international aid
WEEK IX May 28-30 How does aid work? *Note for May 28th: 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 30th: 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: What's in store for the next MDGs: The World in 2030 FINAL CLASS MEETING: Friday, June 7th, 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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