What explains the range of economic development outcomes across countries? What is driving rising inequality within many developed and middle-income countries such as the U.S., China, and India?

This course seeks to answer these questions by examining concepts, theories, policies, practices, and global transformations in international development, from both historical and contemporary lenses.

Specifically, the course examines the interplay of how politics affects development and how development shapes politics.

During our discussion, students will explore different perspectives on the core challenges and proposed solutions to alleviating poverty and engendering sustainable development. The course will also pay close attention to the social and ecological implications of different development trajectories.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply international development theories to real-world puzzles
• Develop hypotheses that can explain variation in development trajectories across and within countries
• Adjudicate among competing hypotheses to design policy and strategy solutions that promote sustainable development in particular contexts
• Defend proposed solutions using reasoned arguments

This course is classified as 'Examination-immanent' (in German, 'Prüfungsimmanent,' often abbreviated as 'PI'). As a general rule, PI courses have compulsory attendance. However, one class can be missed without negatively affecting the grade. If known in advance, absences must be announced by email to the lecturer ahead of time (e.g., in cases of conflicting class schedules). Missing class for medical reasons (e.g., accident or illness) will not count against the participation requirements as long as a doctor's note can be provided. No makeup assignments will be provided in case of missed assessments. More details on absenteeism rules will be explained in the first class.

The language of instruction is English. The course is highly interactive, placing a strong emphasis on developing and applying your knowledge and critical thinking skills through real-world case studies. It requires students’ preparation prior to class and active participation during class. Learning activities include preparatory readings and other activities to be completed prior to class, discussions and other activities in class, individual and group assignments, a team peer review exercise, and a final exam.

– 1 Short Video – Creative Illustration of Core Concept (15%)

– 6 Newspaper Articles – Reading Assignments (25%)

– 1 Team Podcast (20%)

– 1 Team Peer Review (5%)

– 1 Short Writing Assignment (15%)

– 1 Final Exam – Application of Learning Outcomes (20%)

Course enrollment is on the basis of "first-come, first-served” principle. If you have registered but cannot participate in the course, please de-register via LPIS during the registration period so that your course is available to students on the waiting list. If there is a waiting list for enrollment in the course, students at the waiting list will be notified after the end of the enrollment period, and will be allocated to available places. Students will be ranked by their study progress not by their rank on the waiting list. This procedure, however, is not to be understood as a place guarantee.

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zack.zimbalist@wu.ac.at