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International Development - IRS201 Fall 2026
Course
Radka Havlova
International Development
Course code: IRS 201
Term and year: Fall 2026
Day and time: Wednesday 8:00-10:45
Instructor: PhDr. Ing. Radka Havlová, Ph.D.
Instructor contact: radka.havlova@aauni.edu
Consultation hours: Wednesday 1400-1500
|
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 the 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 the 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 their 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, Sophie, and Roda Siad. 2025. “Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D): A Contested Notion.” Big Data & Society 12 (2): 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1177/20539517241304678
Recommended Materials
• 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.
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press, available at AAU library.
• Wallerstein, I. (1974). The Modern World-System I. New York: Academic Press, available at AAU library.
• Riddell, R. (2024). Does Foreign Aid Work? In Kremer, M., P. van Lieshout and R. Went, Doing Good or Doing Better. Amsterdam University Press, pp. 47-79.
• UNDP (2024). Human Development Report 2023/2024, pp. 1-52.
• UN SDG Report 2024 (2024). The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, pp. 1-51.
• UNCTAD (2024a). 2024 Trade and Development Report. Rethinking Development in the Age of Discontent, pp. 1-204.
A comprehensive list of additional recommended reading is available in MyLearning.
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. A 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 2.9.2026 |
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: Select one research topic from the list in MyLearning and sign up for the corresponding presentation slot. The same topic will form the basis of the presentation and seminar paper. Preparation for all sessions: Complete the assigned reading before class and come prepared to discuss its main arguments and questions. |
|
Session 2 9.9.2026 |
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: none |
|
Session 3 16.9.2026 |
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 the political situation in developed and developing countries. Reading: Haslam 301-316; Desai Part 10 (voluntary) Assignments/deadlines: Research proposals due via MyLearning by 23:59 (research topic analysis in 200 words, at least 5 research sources). See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
|
23.9.2026 |
No session Professional training outside AAU, class will be replaced online later in the semester based on agreement with students |
|
Session 4 30.9.2026 |
Topic: Military problems related to development – home experiential learning 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 (optional) Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 1 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
|
|
Session 5 7.10.2026 |
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 (optional) Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 2 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
|
|
Session 6 replacement |
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 (optional) Assignments/deadlines: none |
|
|
Session 7 14.10.2026 |
Topic: Role of international organizations in development. Global governance for development – field trip to the UNIC Prague 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: none – field trip to the UNIC Prague. No additional preparation beyond the assigned reading is required. |
|
|
Session 8 21.10.2026 |
Topic: Mid-term exam. Exam via MyLearning 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 1030, submitted via MyLearning. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. Reading: all readings up to now |
|
28.10.2026 |
Mid-term break. No classes |
|
Session 9 4.11.2026 |
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 3 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
|
Session 10 11.11.2026 |
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 4 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. Critical essay due via MyLearning by 11 November 2026, 23:59. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
|
Session 11 18.11.2026 |
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 5 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
|
Session 12 25.11.2026 |
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 6 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
|
Session 13 2.12.2026 |
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 7 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. Seminar paper due via MyLearning by 2 December 2026, 23:59. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
|
Session 14 9.12.2026 |
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: Farhad, pp. 4-39; Niazi, pp. 221-251; Toupin, pp. 1-5 Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 8 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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 |
15% |
· 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 |
|
Mid-term exam |
15 |
15% |
· Subject knowledge on history, theory and issues related to international development |
1 |
|
Critical essay |
24 |
20% |
· Subject knowledge on the topics related to international development |
1 |
|
Presentation of research project |
24 |
20% |
· 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 |
35 |
25% |
· Subject knowledge of a topic related to international development |
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 for the presentation and seminar paper by 16 September 2026, 23:59 via MyLearning. The proposal must include the topic, research question, proposed structure and at least 5 reliable sources which the student plans to use in the presentation and seminar paper. Late submissions will not be accepted; students who do not submit by the deadline will receive 0 points for the research proposal. The only exception is for students who officially join the class after the beginning of the semester, who should contact the instructor promptly to arrange an individual deadline.
Assessment breakdown
|
Assessed area |
Percentage |
|
Timely submission of research proposal through MyLearning |
30% |
|
Contents of presentation and seminar paper proposal: research question, structure, at least 5 reliable resources |
50% |
|
Critical thinking and coherence of the proposed research question and approach |
20% |
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 MyLearning. 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 on 21 October 2026 from 830 till 1030 at AAU, however, students will take the mid-term exam in MyLearning (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% |
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 will have a choice of three topic for their critical essay. Length 800 words, submitted by 11 November 2026 23:59 via MyLearning. Late submissions will NOT be accepted.
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 |
10% |
|
Language, grammar, referencing |
20% |
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 MyLearning 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 MyLearning 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). The detailed requirements and assessment criteria in this Section 7 apply to every presentation slot listed in the course schedule.
Assessment breakdown
|
Assessed area |
Percentage |
|
Timely submission of presentation through MyLearning |
5% |
|
Critical thinking |
20% |
|
Visual format of presentation |
20% |
|
Contents of presentation |
30% |
|
Contact with students |
20% |
|
Compliance with time limit |
5% |
Seminar Paper
Students should prepare a seminar paper on the topic of their presentation to understand the analyzed topic in more depth. Seminar papers should be 2000 words, not including footnotes, bibliography and the title page 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 by 2 December 2026 23:59 via MyLearning. Late submissions will be accepted but one point will be taken off from the assessment for each day of delayed submission. Seminar papers cannot be accepted after 9 December 2026 23:59.
Assessment breakdown
|
Assessed area |
Percentage |
|
Formal academic presentation and correct Chicago citation style |
10% |
|
Reference to resources |
15% |
|
Language, stylistics |
10% |
|
Research question, critical analysis of research topic |
45% |
|
Critical thinking |
20% |
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.
Here is the course outline:
1. Introduction to development
Sep 2 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
What is development? What are the 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 also examine the main theoretical approaches to development. In the second half of the lecture we will discuss the major differences between developed and developing countries. What makes a country “developed”? What is the basis of development? Why are some countries developed and other countries have significant problems in their development? How do we measure development? How does globalization influence development? Finally, we will discuss the main differences between developed and developing countries and the classification of developing countries by the UN and other institutions. |
2. Impact of colonialism on development of developing countries
Sep 9 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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. |
3. Political problems related to development
Sep 16 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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 politics in developed and developing countries. |
4. Military problems related to development
Sep 30 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
What is the role of the 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 military conflicts? We will discuss the main problems related to security in the developing countries and their impact on the development of these countries. |
5. Economic and environmental problems related to development
Oct 7 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
Why are most developing countries still poor compared to the developed countries? What are the main economic and environmental challenges to 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 the role of natural resources in development and conflict. REPLACEMENT LECTURE FOR 30 SEPTEMBER (no class on 30 September, double class on 23 September)!!! |
6. Human development and social problems related to development - make-up session online (date to be...
Oct 9 11am .. 1:45pm, online
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. |
7. Role of international organizations in development
Oct 14 8am .. 10:45am, outside AAU - field trip
What is the role of international organizations in development? Should the international organizations be involved in assisting the developing countries? If so, in what ways? We will discuss the role of the United Nations as well as regional organizations in the area of development in Africa, MENA, Asia and Latin America. |
8. Mid-term exam
Oct 22 8:30am .. 10:30am, 2.03
Mid-term revision, students must demonstrate their understanding of topics covered in the first half of the semester. Mid-term exam takes place via NEO in class |
9. Mid-term break - NO CLASS
Oct 28
No classes, mid-term break, enjoy your free time and get ready for the rest of our semester :) |
10. Role of great powers in development
Nov 4 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
What is power? Who are the 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. |
11. Development in the Middle East and North Africa
Nov 11 8am .. 10:45am, 2.053
What are the main problems of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa? What are the main obstacles to 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. |
12. Development in Asia
Nov 18 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
What are the main problems of the countries of Asia? What are the main obstacles to development in this region? We will discuss the main political, security, economic, social and environmental problems of the region and their impact on development in the region. |
13. Development in Africa
Nov 25 8am .. 10:45am, 2.053
What are the main problems of African countries? What are the main obstacles to development in this region? We will discuss the main political, security, economic, social and environmental problems of the region and their impact on its development. |
14. Development in Latin America
Dec 2 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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. |
15. Technology, innovation, AI and development
Dec 9 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
What is the role of technology in development? How do innovations influence development? What will be the effects of AI on development? |