International Development (ID): A Beginner Friendly Course!

Course Requirements

A curious mind and a passion for global issues! No prior experience in international development is required. This course is designed to welcome everyone, from students and professionals to anyone interested in learning about our world’s challenges and solutions.

Course Description

Ready to explore the fascinating world of international development? If you’ve ever wondered how countries grow and thrive, or why some face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this course is your guide. We’ll journey through history, dive into the theories that have shaped development efforts, and meet the key players – from governments and international organizations to passionate NGOs and innovative businesses.

Think of international development as a puzzle, and this course is our map to putting it together. We’ll examine the pieces – globalization, aid, poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and conflict – and see how they fit together to create the big picture. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the world today, and the skills to think critically about solutions for a more equitable and sustainable future.

What Will You Learn?

• Historical Foundations: Explore the evolution of international development, from its colonial roots to the contemporary focus on sustainable development goals.
• Theoretical Approaches: Dive into various theoretical perspectives on development, including modernization, dependency, and post-development theories, and understand their implications for policy and practice.
• Key Actors and Institutions: Identify the critical roles played by governments, international organizations (UN, World Bank, IMF), NGOs, and the private sector in shaping development outcomes.
• Globalization and Development: Analyze the impact of globalization on developing countries, examining its effects on trade, investment, and technological advancements.
• Aid and Development: Assess the effectiveness of different types of aid, understand the debates surrounding aid conditionality, and explore innovative approaches to development financing.
• Poverty and Inequality: Examine the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality, and discover strategies for poverty reduction and social inclusion.
• Environmental Sustainability: Explore the intricate relationship between environment and development, address the challenges of climate change, and learn about sustainable development goals.
• Conflict and Development: Analyze the impact of conflict on development, understand the root causes of conflict, and discover approaches to peacebuilding and state-building.
• Case Studies: Delve into real-world examples of development challenges and solutions, drawing lessons from diverse countries and regions.
• Future Challenges and Opportunities: Explore emerging trends in international development, the role of innovation and technology, and the importance of global partnerships for sustainable development.

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to International Development

• Lecture 1: What is Development?
• Lecture 2: Historical Overview
• Lecture 3: Key Concepts and Debates

Module 2: Theories of International Development

• Lecture 4: Modernization Theory
• Lecture 5: Dependency Theory
• Lecture 6: Post-Development Theory
• Lecture 7: Alternative Approaches

Module 3: Actors and Institutions

• Lecture 8: Governments
• Lecture 9: International Organizations
• Lecture 10: Non-Governmental Organizations
• Lecture 11: The Private Sector

Module 4: Globalization and Development

• Lecture 12: The Impact of Globalization
• Lecture 13: Trade and Development
• Lecture 14: Foreign Direct Investment
• Lecture 15: Technology and Development

Module 5: Aid and Development

• Lecture 16: Types of Aid
• Lecture 17: Effectiveness of Aid
• Lecture 18: Aid Conditionality

Module 6: Poverty and Inequality

• Lecture 19: Measuring Poverty and Inequality
• Lecture 20: Causes of Poverty and Inequality
• Lecture 21: Strategies for Poverty Reduction

Module 7: Environmental Sustainability

• Lecture 22: Environment and Development
• Lecture 23: Climate Change
• Lecture 24: Sustainable Development Goals

Module 8: Conflict and Development

• Lecture 25: Impact of Conflict
• Lecture 26: Causes of Conflict
• Lecture 27: Peace building and State-building

Module 9: Case Studies

• Lecture 28: Specific Country or Regional Examples
• Lecture 29: Project and Intervention Evaluations

Module 10: Future Challenges and Opportunities

• Lecture 30: Emerging Trends
• Lecture 31: Innovation and Technology
• Lecture 32: Global Partnerships

Bonus Module:

• Lecture 33: Career Opportunities in International Development

Who is this course for?

• Students interested in international relations, development studies, or social sciences
• Professionals working in the development sector or related fields
• Individuals interested in global issues and social change
• Anyone curious about how the world is working to achieve a more equitable and sustainable future

Does this sound exciting? Enroll now and let’s get started!

Certificate of Completion

Upon the successful completion of this course and final assessment, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Eduta.