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• Undergraduate study:
• Courses
• Order a prospectus
• How to apply
• Information for applicants
• Why choose Kingston University
• Disability and mental health support
• Accommodation
• Undergraduate fees
• Fees, funding and payments
• Access, participation and inclusion

Development Geographies

• Module code: GG6020
• Year: 2018/9
• Level: 6
• Credits: 30
• Pre-requisites: None
• Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module is a core module in the BA Human Geography and the BSc Geography programme. The module introduces you to critical issues of development including themes such as economic growth, poverty, exclusion, inequality, natural hazards, gender and conflict. It also explores the relations within and between countries and the challenges of development and aid in the context of globalisation. The module includes substantial fieldwork or independent desk-based research. Whilst it introduces theories of development, it is an applied module which seeks to empower you to debate contemporary geographical and environmental issues within an international context. Assessment seeks to engage you in critical appraisal of real world situations, and in strategic planning of interventions, so enhancing your practical skills and employability.

Aims

• To explore contemporary development theories, issues and approaches.
• To analyse the influences on, and impacts of, contemporary development processes and practices on developed and developing regions and to explore the interactions between the developed and developing worlds.
• To critically assess the effects of historical processes (such as colonisation and globalization) on contemporary development.
• To undertake field or desk-based research on critical issues relevant to the study of development, applying current geographical theory and/or techniques to environmental and socio-economic issues.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Critically assess contemporary approaches to development;
• Explain the trajectories of a variety of developing countries, including a critical assessment of the role of the representation of places
• Explain contemporary problems in, and future prospects of, a variety of developed and developing countries
• Demonstrate skills in sourcing and evaluating data on development issues from a variety of academic, NGO, media and other sources.

Curriculum content

• Theories and discourses of development and inequality.
• Legacy of colonialism.
• Hunger, poverty, inequality and development.
• Gender and development.
• Migration and development.
• Conflict and development.
• Environment and development
• Natural disasters and development
• International aid
• Fieldwork/desk-based research design and management.

Teaching and learning strategy

This module is delivered through a variety of lectures, seminars and fieldwork. Lectures are designed to introduce students to the key features of each topic and to lay the preparatory ground for the application of knowledge and expanded discussion via seminars and fieldwork. Seminars allow for more in-depth discussion on key issues and readings as well as opportunities for formative feedback on coursework. The fieldwork informs the study of development and provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge of research methods and theories of development to real world contexts.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Assessment strategy

Summative

The module is 100% coursework assessed and the elements of the summative coursework assessment are as follows: 

A. Research essay - to assess knowledge of development theory, and students' critical thinking skills (40%)

B. Scoping Report - to assess students ability to investigate development issues in a context of their choice (London or South Africa), and to assess their ability to evaluate and synthesise a range of sources on and representations of development (30%)

C. Oral Presentation on development challenge(s) as investigated in their fieldwork context with policy recommendations and/or suggested interventions to test analytical capacities (30%)

Assessment here is synoptic in that the research essay feeds into the scoping report. The scoping report feeds into the fieldwork/desk based research and into the oral presentation. 

Formative

A range of formative assessments will take place in-class and during independent study. These formative assessments will link directly to the grade related criteria of each piece of summative assessment.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Elements of Assessment

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Williams, G., Meth, Paula, and Willis, Katie. (2014) Geographies of developing areas: The global south in a changing world New. York, Routledge.

Potter, R. (2012) Key concepts in development geography. SAGE Publications, London.

Crow, B., and Lodha, Suresh K. (2011) The atlas of global inequalities Berkley, University of California Press.

Willis, K. (2011) Theories and Practices of Development. London, Routledge.

Mawdesley, E. (2012) From recipients to donors: Emerging powers and the changing development landscape. London, Zed books.