International Development

Course code:                  IRS 201                

Term and year:               Fall 2025

Day and time:                 Thursday 8:00-10:45         

Instructor:                     PhDr. Ing. Radka Havlová, Ph.D.  

Instructor contact:         radka.havlova@aauni.edu

Consultation hours:        Tuesday 1430-1530

 

Credits US/ECTS	3/6	Level	Introductory
Length	15 weeks	Pre-requisite	None
Contact hours	42 hours	Course type	Bachelor

1.    Course Description

International Development offers a coherent and interdisciplinary grounding in the core aspects of international development theory, policy and practice. The students are exposed to the diversity of issues with which today’s world nations impact on each other on many levels that shape everyday life all over the world. Having completed the course the student will have attained a clear understanding of the stakes involved in international development, will possess a thorough conceptual framework and the skills necessary to analyze effectively different perspectives on international development, and how they have shaped policy and debates.

 

The course discusses the main issues related to development and the main political, miliary, social, economic and environmental problems related to development. We will also examine in depth the challenge faced by developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, Latin America and Asia and the role of great powers and international organizations in development.

 

2.    Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

•    Understand key theories of international development and contemporary debates on politics of development in a broader theoretical and historical perspective. 

•    Be able to work with theoretical knowledge and apply theory to practical issues

•    Acquire conceptual understanding of the world system and the way it works  that will allow them to critically evaluate policies, and practices, and be able to relate them to empirical problems in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

•    Assess the roles in the formulation of multilateral development policies by the UN system.

•    Debate on new actors in international development, such as China and other emerging economies.   

•    Identify and analyze main challenges for development in the international arena and be able to discuss critically issues such as climate change, rural development, poverty, migration, and the like. 

•    Exercise writing skills and methodology while working on the research paper on a topic of his/her particular interest and deepen its knowledge. 

 

3.    Reading Material

Required Materials

·           Haslam, P.A., Jessica Schafer, Pierre Beaudet. International Development. Approaches, Actors, Issues, and Practice. Forth Edition. Oxford University Press, 2021

·           Desai V. and Robert B. Potter. The Companion to Development Studies, Third Edition, Routledge, 2014

• Farhad, S. (2024). Passengers in Flight: AI Governance Capacity in the Global South. Digital Society, 4: 39, pp. 4-39
• Niazi, S. (2025). A cross-country analysis of the factors driving innovation performance in the Global South. Policy Studies, 46:2, pp. 221-251
• Toupin, S. and R. Siad (2025). Artificial intelligence for development (AI4D): A contested notion. Big data and society, pp. 1-5

 

 

Recommended Materials

• Arioz, Z. and D. Topdag (2024).  Fragile States and Aid Allocation for Sub-Saharan African Countries. International Relations, Vol. 21, No. 81, pp. 45-59
• Asian development Bank (2025). Asian Development Outlook April 2025, pp. 1-322
• AU (2024). Africa Sustainable Development Report 2024, pp. 1-87
• Ball, M. (2025). Latin American Economic History. Routledge, pp. 1-161
• Bearce, D. and D. Tirone (2010). Foreign Aid Effectiveness and the Strategic Goals of Donor Governments. The Journal of Politics, Vol. 72, No. 3, pp. 837-851
• Bernard, M., Ch. Reenock and T. Nordstrom (2004). The Legacy of Western Overseas Colonialism on Democratic Survival. International Studies Quarterly, Vol. 48. No. 1, pp. 225-250
• Bharti, M. and S. Kumari (2024). China´s Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia and its implications for ASEAN-China strategic partnership. Asian Review of Political Economy, 3:22, pp- 1-22
• Boswell, T. (1989). Colonial Empires and the Capitalist World-Economy: A Time Series Analysis of Colonization, 1640-1960. American Sociological Review, Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 180-196
• Brown, S. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on development assistance. International Journal, Vol. 76, No. 1, pp. 42-54
• Carvalho, S., A. Asgedom and P. Rose (2021). Whose voice counts? Examining government-donor negotiations in the design of Ethiopia’s large-scale education reforms for equitable learning. Development Policy Review, pp. 1-16
• Cattafi, C. and R. Papp (2025). Can Latin America play a more influential role in a shifting world order?. Frontiers in Political Science, pp. 1-13
• Chimiak, G. (2014). The Rise and Stall of Non-Governmental Organizations in Development. Polish Sociological Review, No. 185, pp. 25-44
• Clark, T. and A. Cisneros-Montemayor (2024). Colonialism and the Blue Economy: confronting historical legacies to enable equitable ocean development. Environmental Sociology, pp.1-21
• Conflict Barometer 2023, HIIK, pp. 1-192
• Debisa, N. and D. Borah (2025). Great powers in Africa: the US and China´s rival interests in Ethiopia Politikon, 55:1, pp. 55-80
• Debt justice (2023). The colonial roots of global south debt: a tale of plunder, exploitation and resistance. pp. 1-60
• Dong, W. etc. (2025). Rising military spending jeopardizes climate targets. Nature Communications, pp. 1-8
• Dorn, F. (2022). Green colonialism in Latin America? Towards a new research agenda for the global energy transition. European Review of Latin American and Caribbean Studies, No. 114, pp. 137-146
• Dsouza L. , pp.
• Eberstadt, N. (1997). The United Nations „Development Activities“: What impact on Third World Development? World Affairs, Vol. 159, No. 4, pp. 151-157
• ECLAC (2024). Social panorama of Latin America and the Caribbean 2023, pp. 1-231
• Edstrom, H. and J. Westberg (2022). The alignment strategies of great powers: Managing power asymmetries and structural changes in the international system. Comparative Strategy, 41:1, pp. 97-119
• Eisenman, J. and E. Heginbotham (2019). Building a More „Democratic“and „Multipolar“ World. China Review, Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 55-84
• ESCWA (2024a). Arab sustainable development report 2024, pp. 1-404
• ESCWA (2024b). Inequality in the Arab region, pp. 1-109
• Fasola, N. and D. Averre (2024). Russia, the Global South and Global Governance: Russia´s Geostrategic Reorientation and Its Implications for the G7. Task Force 1 Policy Brief, pp. 1-11
• Finkel, S., A. Perez-Linan and M. Seligson (2007). The Effects of U.S. Foreign Assistance on Democracy Building, 1990-2003. World Politics, Vol. 59, No. 3, pp. 404-438
• Forsythe, D. (1997). The United Nations, Human Rights, and Development. Human Rights Quarterly, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 334-349
• Galli, S., D. Theodoridis and K. Ronnback (2022). Economic inequality in Latin America and Africa, 1650 to 1950: Can a comparison of historical trajectories help to understand underdevelopment?. Economic History of Developing Regions, 38:1, pp. 41-64
• Gatti (2025). Shifting Gears. The private sector as an engine of growth in the Middle East and North Africa. World Bank Group, pp.1-80
• Gnidehou, M. and C. Y. Fanton (2025). Military expenditure and economic growth in African countries: the role of institutional quality. Discover Sustainability, 6:343, pp. 1-15
• Goes,C. and E. Bekkers (2023). The Impact of Geopolitical Conficts on Trade, Growth and Innovation, pp. 1-58
• Grotenhuis, R. (2016). Nation-Building as Necessary Effort in Fragile States, Amsterdam University Press
• Gumede, V. (2023). Post-colonial development in Africa – Samir Amin´s lens. Politikon, 50:4, pp- 438-451
• Hanauer, L. and L. Morris (2014). How China-Africa Relations Have Developed. In. Chinese Engagement in Africa, RAND Corporation, pp. 19-44
• Heine, J. (2025). Not Picking Sides and the “New Neutrals”: Active Nonalignment, Great Power Competition, and the Global South. Journal of World Affairs: Voice of the Global South, 1 (1), pp. 7-14
• Heinrich, T. (2013). When is Foreign Aid Selfish, When is it Selfless?.  The Journal of Politics, Vol. 75, No. 2, pp. 422-435
• Hill, R. and K. Dhanda (2003). Technological Achievement and Human Development: A View from the United Nations Development Program, Human Rights Quarterly, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 1020-1034
• Hirsch, A. and C. Lopes (2020). Post-colonial African Economic Development in Historical Perspective. Africa Development, Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 31-46
• Hodzi, O. (2022). The China Effect. Asia Policy, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 51-60
• Hout, W. (2016). Classical approaches to development: Modernisation and dependency. Chapter in Jean Grugel and Daniel Hammett (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of International Development, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 21-39
• Hussain, S., M. Bresnahan and J. Zhuang (2025). Can artificial intelligence revolutionize healthcare in the Global South? A scoping review of opportunities and challenges. Digital Health, Vol. 11, pp. 1-13
• IEA (2024). World energy outlook 2024, pp. 1-398
• IGES (2005). Sustainable development in Asia 2025 and Beyond, pp. 1-23
• IGES (2008). Aligning Actions on Climate and Development. Climate Change Policies in the Asia-Pacific, pp. 5-72
• IIASA (2018). Education and the sustainable development agenda. International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, pp. 1-5
• ILO (2025). Child Labour. Global Estimates 2024, Trends and the Road Forward, pp- 1-62
• Jacob, C. (2021). Institutionalizing Prevention at the UN. Global Governance, Vol. 27. No. 2,  pp. 179-201
• Katoue etc. (2022). Healthcare system development in the Middle East and North Africa region: Challenges, endeavors and prospective opportunities. Frontiers in Public Health, pp. 1-18
• Khan, M., H. Umer and F. Faruqe (2023). Artificial intelligence for low-income countries. Palgrave Communications, pp. 1-13
• Kingsbury, D., J. Remeny, J. McKay and J. Hunt (2004). Key Issues in Development, Palgrave, McMillan
• Kinyondo, A. and R- Pelizzo (2021). How Covid-19 Has Affected Africa´s Development. World Affairs, Vol. 184, No.1, pp. 57-76
• Kisangani, E. and D. Mitchell (2021). The Impact of Integrated UN Missions on Humanitarian NGO Security. Global Governance, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 202-225
• Kocamaz, U. (2019). The Rise of New Powers in World Politics. International Relations, Vol. 16. No. 61, pp. 1-17
• Kollmeyer, Ch. (2025). Colonial legacy and contemporary civil violence: a global study from 1960 to 2018. Social Forces, pp. 1-22
• Korotayev, A. etc. (2014). The Arab Spring: A Quantitative Analysis. Arab Studies Quarterly, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 149-169
• Krause, K. (2024). Framing (State) Fragility: The Construction of Imaginary Threats,  In Fragility in World Politics. Bristol University Press Digital., pp. 128-150
• Kuran, T. (2004). Why the Middle East Is Economically Underdeveloped: Historical Mechanisms of Institutional Stagnation. The Journal of Economic Perspectives, Vol. 18. No. 3, pp. 71-90
• Lamb, G. And T. Stanier (2018). The Conundrum of DDR Coordination: The Case of South Sudan. Stanility: International Journal of Security and Development, 7:9, pp. 1-16
• Lange, M., Mahoney, J. and M. vom Hau (2006). Colonialism and Development: A Comparative Analysis of Spanish and British Colonies. American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 111., No. 5, pp. 1412-1462
• Lanoczka, A. (2018). International Development: Socio-Economic Theories, Legacies, and Strategies, 2nd ed., Routledge, available at AAU library
• Leao, R. and L. Goulao (2024). Rural Development Projects in Latin America: The Need to Integrate Socio-Economic, Political, and Empowerment Lenses for Sustained Impact. Societies, 14:131, pp. 1-19
• Leftwich, A. (1993). Governance, Democracy and Development in the Third World, Third World Quarterly, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 605-624
• Lind, J. (2021). Great Power Drives Great-Power Narratives. Asia Policy, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 142-147
• Lu, L. and C. Thies (2013). War, Rivalry, and State Building in the Middle East. Political Research Quarterly, Vol. 66, No. 2, pp. 239-253
• Lust, E- and S. Wakuma (2025). The Economics of Social Science Research and Knowledge Production in the Middle East and North Africa. Daedalus, Vol. 154, No. 2, pp. 30-50
• Lustick,I. (1997). The Absence of Middle Eastern Great Powers: Political “Backwardness” in Historical Perspective. International Organization, Vol. 51, No. 4, pp. 653-683
• Madaan, K. (2000). WTO and the Developing Countries. India Quarterly, Vol. 56, No. 3/4, pp. 53-60
• Majumdar, A. (2007). The Postcolonial State: An Overview. In The Postcolonial Condition: Perspectives from the Global South, edited by Abebe Zegeye and Maurice Vambe, Oxford: Peter Lang, pp. 195-214
• Martin-Shields, Ch. and D. Koester. State Fragility and Development Cooperation: Putting the Empirics to Use in Policy and Planning. IDOS, 8/2024, pp. 1-10
• McGarry, S. (2024). Exploring Orientalism and Democracy in the Middle East and North Africa. The Journal of Intersectionality, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 40-62
• Miller, P. (2022). Development theories: Past, present, and future. Development Review 66, pp. 1-13
• Mutuku, R. (2020). Africa Rising. The African Review: A Journal of African Politics, Development and International Affairs, Vol. 47. No. 1, pp. 141-160
• OECD (2024). Latin American Economic Outlook 2024, pp. 1-262
• OECD (2025).  Recommendation of the Council on Digital Government Strategies, pp. 1-10
• Ogbe, M., M.S. Abdullahi and Y. Ding (2024). Measuring how armed conflict impacts economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa through spatial analysis. Frontiers in Political Science, pp. 1-18
• Olson, M. (1993). Democracy, Dictatorship and Development, American Political Science Review 87(3), pp. 567-576 
• Osaghae, E. (2007). Fragile States. Development in Practice, Vol. 17, No. 4/5, pp. 691-699
• Papaioannou, T. (2024). Bridging the Gulf Between Development Theory and Innovation Theory: The Imperative of Regional Justice. Forum for Development Studies, 51:3, pp. 411-438
• Parashar, S. and M. Schulz (2021). Colonial legacies, postcolonial „selfhood“ and the (un)doing of Africa. Third World Quarterly, 42:5, pp. 867-881
• Patel, J., G. Fernandes, A. Mwamelo and D. Sridhar (2023). Health systems appraisal on the response to antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries in relation to COVID-19: Application of the WHO building blocks. Global Policy, pp. 790-796
• Pereira, Ch. (2024). Africa´s Natural Resources amid Old and New Imperial Relations. Feminist Africa, Vol. 5. No- 2, pp. 14-41
• Pereira, V., Y. Temouri, S. Tarba and N. Abdelrehímd (2025). Exploring business history of the Middle East and North Africa region. Business History, 67:2, pp. 305-317
• Perez-Brumer, A., D. Hill and R. Parker (2024). Latin America at the margins? Implications of the geographic and epistemic narrowing of “global” health. Global Public Health 19:1, pp. 1-18
• Png,M-T. (2022). At the Tensions of South and North: Critical Roles of Global South Stakeholders in AI Governance, pp. 1-12
• pp. 533-580
• PRIO (2025). Conflict Trends: A Global Overview, 1946-2024, pp. 1-24
• Quijano, A. (2000). Coloniality of Power, Eurocentrism, and Latin America. In: Lander, Edgardo (ed.). Coloniality of Power, Eurocentrism, and Social Classification. In Latin America and the Coloniality of Power: Essays on Cultural Studies. Buenos Aires: CLACSO
• Riddell, R. (2024). Does Foreign Aid Work? In. Kremer, M., P. van Lieshout, R. Went- Doing Good or Doing Better. Amsterdam University Press, pp. 47-79
• Rostow, W.W. (1959). Stages of Economic Growth. The Economic History Review, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 1-16
• Rudebeck, L. (2016). Democracy and Development – A Disputed Pair. Africa Development, Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 1-22
• Sabine, G. (1920´.  The Concept of the State as Power. The Philosophical Review, Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 301-318
• Said. Orientalism, available at AAU Library
• Santiso, C. (2002). Promoting Democratic Governance and Preventing the Recurrence of Conflict: The Role of the United Nations Development Programme in Post-Conflict Peace-Building. Journal of Latin American Studies, Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 555-586
• Schmid, L., A. Reitzenstein and N. Hall (2021). Blessing or Curse?. Global Governance, Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 433-459
• Scott, J. and C. Steele (2011). Sponsoring Democracy: The United States and Democracy Aid to the Developing World, 1988-2001. International Studies Quarterly, Vol. 55, No. 1, pp. 47-69
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press, available at AAU library
• Shihata, I. (1997). Democracy and Development, The International and Comparative Law Quarterly, Vol. 46, No. 3
• Shirazi, N., T. Mannap and M. Ali (2009). Effectiveness of Foreign Aid and Human Development. The Pakistan Development Review, Vol. 48, No. 4, pp. 853-862
• Signe, L. (2024). Foresight Africa. Top Priorities for the Continent 2025-2030, Africa Growth Initiative, pp. 1-196
• Song, J. (2021). Japan´s Official Development Assistance in Southeast and South Asia. Journal of International and Area Studies, Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 1-20
• Sorli, M., N. Gleditsch and H. Strand (2005). Why Is There so Much Conflict in the Middle East? The Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 141-165
• Streeten, P. (1997). Nongovernmental Organizations and Development. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 554, pp. 193-210
• Sunny, F., E. Jeronen and J. Lang (2024). Influential Theories of Economics in Shaping Sustainable Development Concepts. Administrative Sciences, 15:6, pp. 1-33
• Tian, N., D.L. da Silva, X. Liang and L. Scarazzato (2024). Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023, SIPRI, pp. 1-12
• Tricontinental (2025). Towards a New Development Theory for the Global South, pp. 1-31
• Tripathi, S. (2024). (Post)Colonial Complexities and World (Re)Ordering: Contestations from/withing the „Margin(alized)“. Global Studies Quarterly, 4, pp. 1-11
• UN (2024). World economic situation and prospects 2024, pp. 1-196
• UN GA (2015). Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, pp. 1-35
• UN SDG report 2024 (2024). The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, pp. 1-51
• UN Women (2023). Progress on SDGs. The gender snapshot 2023, pp. 1-36
• UNCTAD (2024a). 2024 Trade and development report. Rethinking development in the age of discontent, pp. 1-204
• UNCTAD (2024b). Inequality: Major trends, policy challenges and the need for global economic compact, pp. 1-51
• UNCTAD (2024c). Economic development report in Africa 2024, pp. 1-38
• UNCTAD (2024d). Digital economy report 2024, pp. 1-288
• UNDP (2024). Human development report 2023/2024, pp. 1-52
• UNESCO (2019). Artificial Intelligence in Education: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development, pp. 1-48
• UNESCO (2025). Global education monitoring report 2024, pp. 1-489
• Velastegui, P. (2020). Humanizing Development. Problemas del Desarrollo, Vol. 51, No. 203, pp. 191-212
• Vinuesa, R. etc. (2020). The role of artificial intelligence in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Nature Communications, pp. 1-11
• Vu, K. and H. Nguyen (2022). Drivers of Economic Catch-up in Asia- Journal of Southeast Asian Economies, Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 42-67
• Wall, P., D. Saxena and S. Brown (2021). Artificial Intelligence in the Global South (AI4D): Potential and Risks,  pp. 1-7
• Wallerstein, I. (1974). The Modern World-System I., New York Academic Press, available at AAU library.
• Wang, Di. etc. 2025). Open access data policies and technologies: Introduction to special issue. Data Information Management, pp. 1-3
• WBG (2023). Climate Change Action in the Middle East and North Africa – Key Insights from Country Climate and Development Reports, pp. 1-12
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4.    Teaching methodology

Each class will begin with a class discussion related to the session’s topic. Students will be asked to discuss questions related to the topic in smaller groups and later a class discussion on those questions will be held. Short explanation by the instructor will follow but most of the classes will be taught in form of a seminar in which students will present their research outcomes. The presentation of will be interactive, and the students will be asked to give their opinion on the topic of the presentation. The students are required to read the assigned weekly material prior to each class in order to participate actively in discussions. They also need to follow websites of key international organizations covered in the course and the latest international news concerning them.

 

The classes will be interactive and all concepts and terms will be explained via concrete examples. Each class will be supplemented by case studies of recent international events giving the students an opportunity to critically analyze the concrete actions of international actors and to understand their role in international development.

5.    Course Schedule

Date	Class Agenda
Session 1 4.9.2024	Topic: Introduction to international development, key issues and theories of development, developed vs. developing countries Description: What is development? What are key issues related to development? How should we approach development theoretically? We will discuss the basic concepts of international development and key issues related to development. We will examine the main theoretical approaches to development and theories of development. In the second half of the lecture we will discuss about the major differences between developed and developing countries. What makes a country “developed”? What is the basis of development? Why are some countries developed whilst other countries have significant problems in their development? How do we measure development? How does globalization influence development? We will discuss the main differences between developed and developing countries and classification of developing countries by the UN and other institutions. Reading: Haslam 3-24, 41-76; Desai 79-152 (voluntary) Assignments/deadlines: sign for presentation through NEO
Session 2 11.9.2024	Topic: Impact of colonialism on development of developing countries Description: What do different theories say about development? How does colonialism influence the current situation of the developing countries? Are the former colonial powers still “responsible” for the development in their former colonies? We will discuss about the impacts of colonialism on developing countries and relations between former colonial powers and de-colonized countries. Reading: Haslam 24-40 Assignments/deadlines: Structure your topics and find literature for your presentations, possibility to consult presentation proposals
Session 3 18.9.2024	Topic: Political problems related to development Description: Are democracies in general more developed than developing countries? What is the role of freedom in development? How is corruption related to development? Why do some states “fail” in their development? We will have the chance to discuss the relationship between development and political situation in developed and developing countries. Reading: Haslam 301-316; Desai Part 10 (voluntary) Assignments/deadlines: Presentation proposals due via NEO (research topic analysis in 200 words, at least 5 research sources)
Session 4 25.9.2024	Topic: Military problems related to development Description: What is the role of military in development? Do violent conflicts occur more frequently in developing countries? What is the connection between terrorism and development? How does the UN help to solve the military conflicts? We will discuss the main problems related to security in the developing countries and their impact on development of these countries. Reading: Haslam 391-406; Desai Part 9 (voluntary) Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 1 (20 minutes, interactive, submitted three days in advance for inspection, more information on presentations in NEO)
2.10.2025	No class

 

 

Session 5 9.10.2025		Topic: Economic and environmental problems related to development Description: Why are most of the developing countries still  poor compared to the developed countries? What are the main economic and environmental challenges of the developing countries? We will discuss the main economic and environmental problems related to development such as poverty, trade, inflation, debt, foreign direct investments, unemployment, water-related problems, air pollution and other environmental problems related to development. Attention will be also paid to role of natural resources in development and conflicts. Reading: Haslam 168-184, 263-298; Desai Part 3 and 6 (voluntary) Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 2
Session 6 10.10.2025		Replacement session Topic: Human development and social problems related to development Description: What is human development? What are the main social problems of developing countries? We will discuss problems such as population growth, role of ethnicity and religion, crime, role of drugs, organized crime and socioeconomic inequality related to development. Reading: Haslam 94-111, 225-240, 337-386, 408-426; Desai Part 7 and 8 (voluntary) Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 3, Critical essay due (800 words, submitted via NEO)
Session 7 16.10.2024	Topic: Role of international organizations in development. Global governance for development Description: What is the role of international organizations in development? Should the international organizations be involved in assisting the developing countries? If so, in what way? We will discuss the role of the United Nations as well as regional organizations in Africa, MENA, Asia and Latin America in development. Attention will be also paid to global governance and development. Reading: Haslam 186-205 Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 4
Session 8 23.10.2024	Topic: Mid-term exam. Exam via NEO Description: Mid-term revision, students must demonstrate their understanding of topics covered in the first half of the semester (Sessions 1 through 7). Mid-term will be in a freeform essay of 800 words, taken in class from 830 till 1100, submitted via NEO. Reading: all readings up to now
30.10.2024	Mid-term break. No classes
Session 9 6.11.2024	Topic: Role of great powers in development Description: What is power? Who are great powers? Should they be involved in development and if so, how? We will discuss the role of the United States, Russia, China, India and regional powers in development. Reading: Desai 535-554 Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 5

 

 

Session 10 13.11.2024	Topic: Regional development in the Middle East and North Africa Description: What are the main problems of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa? What are the main obstacles of development in this region? We will discuss the main political, security, economic, social and environmental problems of the region and their impact on development of the region. Reading: Middle East and North Africa Overview: Development news, research, data | World Bank Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 6
Session 11 20.11.2024	Topic: Regional development in Asia Description: What are the main problems of the countries of Asia? What are the main obstacles of development in this region? We will discuss the main political, security, economic, social and environmental problems of the region and their impact on development of the region. Reading: East Asia Pacific: Development news, research, data | World Bank; South Asia : Development news, research, data | World Bank Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 7, Policy paper due
Session 12 27.11.2024	Topic: Regional development in Africa Description: What are the main problems of the countries of Africa? What are the main obstacles of development in this region? We will discuss the main political, security, economic, social and environmental problems of the region and their impact on development of the region. Reading: Africa: Development news, research, data | World Bank Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 8
Session 13 4.12.2024	Topic: Regional development in Latin America Description: What are the main problems of the countries of Latin America? What are the main obstacles of development in this region? We will discuss the main political, security, economic, social and environmental problems of the region and their impact on development of the region. Reading: Latin America and Caribbean Overview: Development news, research, data | World Bank Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 9, Seminar papers due
Session 14 11.12.2024	Topic: Technology, innovation, AI and development Description: What is the role of technology in development? How do innovations influence development? What will be the effects of AI on development?   Reading: Fahrad, pp. 4-39; Niazi, pp. 221-251; Toupin, pp. 1-5 Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 10, Reading reflections due

 

6.    Course Requirements and Assessment (with estimated workloads)

Assignment	Workload (hours)	Weight in Final Grade	Evaluated Course Specific Learning Outcomes	Evaluated Institutional Learning Outcomes*
Active class participation	42	10%	·      Regular and active participation ·      Ability to analyze and to effectively discuss the possibilities of further issues related  to international development	1,2

 

 

Research proposal	10	5%	·      Ability to analyze the activities and legal acts of selected int. organizations in different fields including security, trade, development, environment, and human rights	1
Critical essay	15	10%	·      Subject knowledge on the topics related to international development	1
Mid-term exam	15	15%	·      Subject knowledge on history, theory and issues related to international development	1
Policy paper	15	10%	·      Subject knowledge on the topics related to international development	1
Presentation of research project	20	15%	·       Ability to analyze a topic related to international development ·       Think critically and to provide possible solutions for presented problems; ·       Present the results of analysis in class	1, 2
Seminar paper	28	25%	·       Subject knowledge of a topic related to international development	1
Reflection- reading	5	10%	·      Critical reflection of two different texts or podcasts related to lecture topics	1
TOTAL	150	100%

*1 = Critical Thinking; 2 = Effective Communication; 3 = Effective and Responsible Action

 

7.    Detailed description of the assignments

Class participation

 

Active participation and contribution to class discussion. Students should actively participate in class discussion. Discussions are an important mechanism for developing critical thinking and presentation skills.

 

Assessed area	Percentage
Knowledge and comprehension of the weekly reading assignments	50%
Critical thinking about the issues explored in the readings	50%

 

Research proposal

Students must submit a research proposal of presentation and seminar paper by Week 3, i.e. by 18 September 2025 via NEO. The proposal must include the topic, research question, structure and at least 5 reliable resources which the students plan to use in their presentation and seminar paper.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Timely submission of presentation through NEO	50%
Contents of presentation and seminar paper proposal: research question, structure, at least 5 reliable resources	50%

 

 

Critical essay

Short analytical essay on selected topic relating to international development. Students will critically respond to a conceptual or real-world challenge introduced in the first three weeks. The goal is to assess students´ ability to apply theory, construct arguments and use relevant examples or cases. Emphasis on argumentation, use of course concepts, clear structure and use of reliable sources. Students choose one of four critical questions based on the materials covered in weeks 1 to 5. Length 800 words, submitted through NEO by Week 6, i.e. by 10 October 2025.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Clear thesis and coherent structure	20
Depth of critical argumentation, critical thinking	30
Use of course concepts and terminology	20
Quality and relevance of examples	20
Language, grammar, referencing	10

 

 

Mid-term exam

The exam will cover the topics from the first half of the semester. Students will have to demonstrate that they have a good understanding of the most relevant issues and concepts and that they are able to provide swift and correct answers. The mid-term will be a free-form essay of about 800 words and will take place online via NEO. Students will choose one of three comprehensive questions covering the topics discussed in the first half of the semester. The mid-term will take place during Week 8, i.e. on 23 October 2025 from 815 till 1045 at AAU, however, students will take the mid-term exam in NEO (online) while sitting in the classroom.  

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Ability to correctly evaluate the main purpose of each question	50%
Ability to reflect broader context of each question	25%
Ability to provide correct answers under the time limit	25%

 

 

 

Presentation of research project

Students need to select and to sign up for one research project and present the selected topic in class according to the presentation schedule. Presentations will be prepared individually by each student and must be submitted at least three days prior to the presentation day through the NEO for comments before presenting. Presentations can be submitted in PPT or any other suitable presentation program. The presentation shall be 20 to 25 minutes long including the class discussion for which students must always prepare questions related to their research. List of presentations will be published in NEO in week 1 after students sign in for their presentations. Students will be evaluated based on the contents of their presentation (correct, recent information, to analyze main problems and suggest creative solutions; ability to apply and to demonstrate acquired knowledge from the course; ability to link the topic of the presentation to the overall topic of the class; ability to apply a concrete theory to a presented problem; ability to formulate credible claims and evidence) and interaction with other students in class (engagement of students in discussions: continuous contact with students while presenting, clear speech, good intonation and eye contact, positive body language, ability to stress most significant aspects of analyzed topic while presenting, ability to answer questions from audience, ability to engage fellow students in discussions).

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Timely submission of presentation through NEO	5%
Critical thinking	20%
Visual format of presentation	20%
Contents of presentation	30%
Contact with students	20%
Compliance with time limit	5%

 

 

Policy paper

Short policy paper on selected topic related to international development. Students will focus on practical policy oriented paper which will cover topics up to Week 10. Students choose one of three questions. Length 800 words, submitted through NEO by Week 11, i.e. by 20 November 2025.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Clear thesis and coherent structure	20%
Depth of critical argumentation and critical thinking	30%
Use of course concepts and terminology	20%
Quality and relevance of examples	20%
Language, grammar, referencing	10%

 

 

Seminar Paper

Students prepare a seminar paper on the topic of their presentation to understand the analyzed topic in more depth. Seminar papers should be 2000 words long (length without sources, title page, TOC and references to sources; 2000 words should be just the analysis itself) and should fulfill all criteria imposed on an academic paper (formal arrangement of the paper, reference to resources, research question and analysis of the research question etc.). Chicago citation style must be used. At least 10 reliable sources must be used for the seminar paper. Seminar papers will be checked for plagiarism and use of AI, students should present their own critical reflection of the selected research topic. Seminar paper must be submitted via NEO by Week 13, i.e. by 4 December 2025 23:59. Later submissions will be taken into consideration but one point will be taken off from the assessment for each day of delayed submission.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Formal arrangement of seminar paper	10%
Reference to resources	15%
Language, stylistics	10%
Research question, critical analysis of research topic	45%
Critical thinking	20%

 

Reflection: reading

Students choose any reading or podcast related to the topic of the lecture. Student may submit maximum 2 reflections, each for maximum 5 points. Detailed list of reading is available in NEO. Students may also review other book, article or podcast related to politics upon previous agreement with the instructor. Each reflection should be up to 200 words and should provide a critical assessment of the reading or podcast. Reflections should include a brief summary of the reading/podcast (2–3 sentences), one or two key insights you found meaningful or surprising, a short connection to the week’s lecture topic  and optionally also a critique, disagreement, or unanswered question. Reflections may be submitted any time between Week 2 and Week 14, however, reflections must be submitted by Week 14, i.e. by 11 December 2025.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Personal insight and critical reflection	40%
Connection to course topic	30%
Coherence and clarity	20%
Style and language	10%

 

 

8.    General Requirements and School Policies

General requirements

All coursework is governed by AAU’s academic rules. Students are expected to be familiar with the academic rules in the Academic Codex and Student Handbook and to maintain the highest standards of honesty and academic integrity in their work. Please see the AAU intranet for a summary of key policies regarding coursework.

Course specific requirements

There are no special requirements or deviations from AAU policies for this course.

 

Use of Artificial Intelligence and Academic Tutoring Center

The use of artificial intelligence tools to search sources, to process, analyze and summarize data, and to provide suggestions or feedback in order to improve content, structure, or style, defined here as AI-assisted writing, is not in itself plagiarism. However, it is plagiarism if, as a result, it obscures the authorship of the work produced or the degree of its originality (see the examples above). 

 

AAU acknowledges prudent and honest use of AI-assisted writing, that is, the use of AI for orientation, consultation, and practice is allowed. For some courses and assignments, however, the use of AI is counterproductive to learning outcomes; therefore, the course syllabus may prohibit AI assistance.

 

A work (text, image, video, sound, code, etc.) generated by artificial intelligence based on a mass of existing data, defined here as AI-generated work, is not considered a work of authorship. Therefore, if an AI-generated work (e.g. text) is part of the author’s work, it must be marked as AI-generated. Otherwise, it obscures the authorship and/or the degree of originality, and thus constitutes plagiarism. Unless explicitly permitted by the instructor, submission of AI-generated work is prohibited.

 

If unsure about technical aspects of writing, and to improve their academic writing, students are encouraged to consult with the tutors of the AAU Academic Tutoring Center. For more information and/or to book a tutor, please contact the ATC at: http://atc.simplybook.me/sheduler/manage/event/1/.

 

 

9. Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage*	Description
A	95–100	Excellent performance. The student has shown originality and displayed an exceptional grasp of the material and a deep analytical understanding of the subject.
A–	90–94
B+	87–89	Good performance. The student has mastered the material, understands the subject well and has shown some originality of thought and/or considerable effort.
B	83–86
B–	80–82
C+	77–79	Fair performance. The student has acquired an acceptable understanding of the material and essential subject matter of the course, but has not succeeded in translating this understanding into consistently creative or original work.
C	73–76
C–	70–72
D+	65–69	Poor. The student has shown some understanding of the material and subject matter covered during the course. The student’s work, however, has not shown enough effort or understanding to allow for a passing grade in School Required Courses. It does qualify as a passing mark for the General College Courses and Electives.
D	60–64
F	0–59	Fail. The student has not succeeded in mastering the subject matter covered in the course.

* Decimals should be rounded to the nearest whole number.

 

Prepared by: Radka Havlová

Date:12.8.2025

 

Approved by: Dr William Eddleston, Chair of IR.

Date: 22/8/25