Global Development: Theory and Practice

Students build upon the body of knowledge and industry best practices in ways that allow them to effectively analyze and (de)construct theories of development, as well as related ideologies, major trends, and objective frameworks held by governments and international organizations. The discussion is centered around the features of robust theories, including explanatory and predictive power, as well as the limitations development theories face in dynamic contexts. Students strengthen their understanding of development theories by constructing their own explanatory frameworks for why and how positive change happens at the scale of communities and nations. Development indicators and other data sources are explored and analyzed critically. After covering the theory of development, the course explores its practical applications. Students learn how to critically assess, create, deliver upon, and measure the impact of tangible development projects. The course covers tangible examples of both successful and failed development projects which are analyzed for drivers of success and common denominators of failed projects. Students learn how to approach and analyze critical project design tools, including theories of change, logical frameworks, activity plans, funding and resourcing frameworks, and impact measurement processes. Students select a real-life development project as a case study, which is used as a pedagogical device to cement the learning goals of the course. In their case study, students will apply best-in-class monitoring and evaluation, as well as a range of other analytical tools to assess their chosen development projects from design to sustained impact. Over the past years, students selected projects implemented by organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank Group, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Department for International Development (DFID). Past case studies and recent flagship projects are used as entry points for discussion in each class. This course is divided into the following four broad thematic areas that guide the discussions and analysis in class: the theories of development including key principles and prerequisites; project design and planning; operational delivery and coordination; and impact measurement and sustaining results.