Diploma in Development studies

• Instructor: Africa College
• Duration: 52 weeks

The programme focuses on the social, political and economic dimensions of development.  It explores a range of topics which are indicators of development which range from poverty,  gender inequality, conflict and economic growth. As a Professional College we aim at  demonstrating to our learners how conflict jeopardizes development and in particular  international development. Alongside conflict, learners will have an opportunity to study  natural resource modules and how the same aids in development 

The central objective of the course is to equip learners with conceptual and empirical  knowledge as well as research skills necessary to understand and analyze contemporary  issues pertaining development in broad geographical contexts- local, regional and  international levels. 

This is an interdisciplinary training diploma course that is designed to build a core  understanding of the most basic models used in development as well developmental  discourse and expose learners to development themes. The themes will revolve around  history, economics, politics as well as discussing the problems and prospects of  development. 

Specific Course Objectives 

This course accords students an opportunity to examine development processes,  interventions, theories, policies and government structures in the global arena. It is expected  that the student, after having completed the course, will be able to better understand a  number of salient issues in the developing world. The student is expected to be able to apply  concepts learned in class to the analysis of important issues in development studies. 

The course will provide students with training and background needed to understand the  dimensions, challenges and processes of global poverty and prosperity. It is also aimed at  exposing students to a broad, multidisciplinary range of courses as well as to core  methodologies and requisite analytical tools needed to identify, measure, and assess the  determinants and effects of international development. 

The course is structured around some key questions including: 

∙ What does “development” mean and does it mean different things to different  peoples and cultures? 

∙ How has the historical experience of development influenced theories of  development? 

∙ What is the role of the state in development? Has this changed over time and why?

∙ What role do international development organizations play in development? ∙ Why are non-governmental organizations (NGOs) increasingly important  development actors? What are the limits on the NGO role in development? ∙ How and why does being a woman change your life-chances and roles in the developing world? 

∙ How and why does being an indigenous person change your life-chances and roles in the developing world? 

∙ Is foreign aid effective? 

∙ What is sustainable development and how can it be achieved? 

Furthermore, it is hoped that the student will reflect on ethical issues behind his or her  personal commitment to development studies, and indeed, the endeavor of “development”  itself. Why do we commit ourselves to practicing economic development? What right do we  have to impose development on the Third World? Do these “others” even want to be  “developed”? Is it even possible to practice development in a way that is respectful of local  knowledge, cultures and diverse individual aspirations?