Graduate course in development theories September 2008

“Development, Globalisation and ICT: Defining the ’D’ in ICT4D”

IPID and Karlstad University invited IPID members to a graduate course in development theories. The course was offered due to several requests from IPID members about an introduction in development theories and a wish to define ‘D’ in ICT4D.

Course description:

To provide a solid background for advanced studies in ICT4D, this course offers insights into some of the most influential development theories. The selection is made on the basis of classical bodies of ideas with a strong impact on recent notions of development. The course moreover illuminates development theory from various angles, especially the perspectives of different social sciences. It will also investigate development theory in relation to the process of globalization.

Others:

The first set of seminars was held in September 2008, over two days. During these seminars, invited guest lecturers provided an overview of the course literature, which was discussed with the students.

After the first set of seminars the students will write a paper on her/his research on ICT4D in relation to ‘development’, based on the course literature. This paper will serve as part of the examination. The participants will return to Karlstad in January 2009. During this second set of seminars the papers will be discussed and peer reviewed. The students will be divided into 3 groups with each lecturer as their supervisor. Each student present and discuss their paper for 30 minutes. The examination seminar is finalised with a discussion of 60 minutes.

Lecturers:

Peter Smekal

• PhD, Department of Government, Uppsala University
• Development theories
• History and Roots
• Modernisation theories
• The Classics

Anders Danielson

PhD, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Stockholm

• Economics and Development – Changing Views
• The Elusive Poverty
• Do Economists Know What To Do?
• What Can Economists Do?”

Paula Uimonen

PhD, Department of Social Anthropology, Stockholm University

• Theories on ICT and modern development
• Globalisation
• ICT4D Policy and WSIS 2003, 2005