Universidad Americana
College of University Studies in English, CUSE
Introduction to International Development
FALL 2015
Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00 – 9:30 A.M.
Room :
Professor
Francisco Fiallos, J.D; LL.M.; Ph. D. cand
Cel: 8882-5638
Text:
Potter, R. (Third Ed.) Geographies of Development: An
Introduction to Development Studies. New York: PearsonPrentice Hall, Inc.
Resources:
De Haan, Arjan. (2009). How to AID industry works.
Kumarian Press.
Haslam, Paul A. (2009). Introduction to International
Development. 1ST ed. Oxford University Press.
Course Description
ECON-0311: Introduction to International Development
Total Hours: 48 Credits: 3
Students will be able to develop a complete understanding of contemporary international
issues and will be ready to apply new knowledge to creative problem-solving.
This theoretical practical class focuses on understanding global synergy of development
and introduces students to sustainable human development (SHD), an emerging
discipline that uses a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to face the challenges of
development today. Interaction among economic, environmental, political, and social
process is examined. Students study the theory, methods, and goals of development in a
global context through case studies. Thus, they are able to create comprehension of
successful developmental strategies through the use of indicators and comparative
analysis. This key class serves as basis for all international development courses.
Prerequisite: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics
Class Methodology: This class will use lecture and class discussion as basic activities for
the landing of course’s curriculum. Case studies will be used as grounding
experience. We will have a daily open floor for debate. Participation is
encouraged.
Grade:
Term Paper Presentation
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Term Paper
Participation
25%
25%
25%
20%
5%
Class Activities & Assessments: This course consists on learning the multidisciplinary
International Development course by analyzing current global issues and using case
studies portfolio presentations, and class interaction.
Discussions: In order to aid with current regional issues analysis and class interaction,
sessions of brain storming, and discussion groups will be held. Often in class, you will be
given one newspaper article in which you will read silently in class for 20 minutes.
Afterward, the coach will open the brain storming session until a collective solution is
reached distinguishing between an ideal solution and possible one. This solution will be
part of your participation’s 5%.
Attendance: Absolutely mandatory.
Objective: Upon competition of this course you should be able to:
• Identify differences between conceptualizing development and development in
practice.
• Identify major foreign policy initiatives among studied regions.
• Know major points about colonialism, theorist and strategies of development and
globalization development and underdevelopment.
• Identify current regional problems in foreign policy today
• Indentify the spaces of development.
Learning Outcomes: Upon competition of this course you will develop and mature the
ability to:
• Deeply understand differences between colonialism and neocolonialism.
• Will have a better critical reflection on the issues examined in this course.
• Will come to now the key ideas and identify the key thinkers of the current
development theories.
• Discuss and understand contemporary regional challenges in foreign policy.
• Understand how the sustainable live hood framework works.
• Discuss about the collapse of the Doha Round trade talk and the role of the
BRICS.
• Discuss main contemporary issues between post-colonialism and neoliberalism
• Understand the dynamics of the “resource curse thesis.”
UAM’s Transversal Competencies
Competencies
Competency related to
learning
Objectives
1.Use information and
communication technology
to permanently learn,
abstract, analyze,
synthesize, identify,
propose research, resolve
problems, and put
knowledge into practice.
Competency related to
interpersonal relations
2. Use English, motivate
students to work in teams,
Learning Outcomes
1.1. o use the print and
electronic media as well as
personal interaction in
autonomous learning,
communication, and
permanent up-dating in the
profession.
1.2. To identify, formulate,
and resolve real or
simulated problems by
systematically using
established methods that
have technical validity.
2.1. To optimize the use of
English.
establish common goals,
and develop skills in
international context.
Competency related to
personal autonomy and
development.
Competency related to
using values.
2.2. Identify group
objectives and orient toward
these.
2.3. Apply the best practices
of the profession according
to the latest techniques.
3. To commit to quality,
3.1. To satisfactorily reach
adaptation to new situations academic standards and
and decision-making as
parameters that are personal
well as innovation and work and professional.
leading to personal
3.2. To effectively adapt to
autonomy.
new situations and be able
to propose innovative
solutions.
3.3. To plan execute, and
evaluate autonomous and
formative tasks and
professional roles that
encourage autonomy.
4. To foster responsibility,
ethical values and
demonstrate social
responsibility and
citizenship.
4.1. To always perform with
academic integrity
according to the highest
standards and democratic
values.
4.2. Realize or participate in
projects based on principles
of democracy, inclusion,
gender, human
development, citizenship,
sustainable development,
transparency, and care of
the environment.
Program Development
Introduction: Syllabus and Class Introduction
Part 1: Conceptualizing Development
Questioning Development.
Week 1-2
Understanding colonialism.
Week 3-4
Theories and Strategies of Development. Week 5
Globalization.
Week 6
Development and underdevelopment.
Week 7
Part II :Development in practice.
Components of Development.
Resources and Environment.
Institutions of Development.
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Part III: Spaces of Development.
Places of Development.
Movements and Flows.
Urban Spaces.
Rural Spaces.
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Exam: SEE EXAM SCHEDULE
Class Code:
1. Some elements in the syllabus are subject to change
2. Late work: will not be accepted regardless of excuse. Students will receive a Zero
for all missing work
3. All make up exams: Grade lowered 10%
4. More than 5 absences (excused/unexcused): grade lowered 10%
No late arrivals. Doors will be locked at the beginning of the session
5. Plagiarism/ cheating…. Not. Students who are caught cheating on any work/test
will be failed on that work with a Zero. A student who is caught cheating a second
time will be failed for the course with a notification to the program office.
6. The passing grade at UAM is a 70…. Not 68 or 69 but 70. There is no extra credit
in this class.
Important Note:
University students should not be told how to behave for they already know how to
do it. (They are not in high school anymore!) However, university students were to
forget, they will be treated accordingly. Here is a quick reminder on university
behavior:
1. Student at this level knows that cellular phones must remain off during class.
2. Students by this time know they should go to the restroom before/after class: thus,
opening and closing door distract class. Besides, they miss important notes.
3. University students have freely chosen to be in the university pursuing a particular
degree that interests them. They want to be in class. They pay attention.
4. Students in universities participate in class in an orderly manner: thus, they realize
that the best way to learn is through meaningful interaction, discussion, and
debate.
5. Above all, university students tend to be mindful and respectful of themselves,
their classmates and professors.