The seminar provides an overview on critical development theories. It highlights in particular comparative approaches to capitalist development. In the first part, selected theoretical texts will be analysed and discussed. In the second part, the theoretical approaches will be applied to concrete cases in order to evaluate their strengths and limits.

* Skills in text analysis will be developed.

* Participants will get familiar with different theoretical currents.

* Participants will develop skills in applying different theoretical approaches to cases studies.

* Participants will enhance their ability to write essays.

Participants are required to be present in the classes.

After an overwiew on theoretical approaches in development economics, theoretical texts will be presented by small groups and discussed in the first part. In a second part, theoretical approaches will be applied to concrete cases. For these analyses, a common text base will be provided. The cases will be presented by small groups and discussed. 

* Presentation of a text (in small groups) (30%)

* Writing an essay (individually) (50%)

* Preparing a question which could further the debates in the class for each of the texts (individually) (20%)

Consultations: Tuesday, 10-11 AM