This course examines different aspects of development policy and advocacy such as social policy, NGOs, civil society, aid, corporate social responsibility, accountability, state capacity, etc. in order to highlight key issues. The course will focus on the power relations between different actors in the field of development (such as governments, corporations, NGOs and popular movements), their specific focus and means of action as well as on structural and discursive conditions that frame development policy and advocacy. Trajectories of development practice such as colonialism and economic strategies are highlighted, and contributions and interventions by NGOs and grassroots movements.

Students are encouraged to focus on issue areas they are interested in, and select those as the topic of the two short papers they have to submit as their main written assignment.

The course addresses issues of relevance to development policy and advocacy through diverse teaching methods including lectures, guest lectures and debating teams.

This course aims to equip students with an understanding of different approaches to policy issues in development and advocacy, which they can apply to real-world cases. The skills students will attain from the class will enable them to discuss development policy choices, make issue-specific policy recommendations and engage in policy advocacy in different social and political settings.