Governance and Development
Instructors
Credits / Language / Semester
2Credits / English / Winter
Objectives/Overview
The purpose of the course is to: 1) to give students an overview of the context of the evolution of major development theories which have been affecting aid policies of major donor agencies; 2) to look into the ways in which the issue of ‘governance’ has been dealt with in international development cooperation; and 3) to make a critical review on the perceptions and models of ‘good governance’ in development cooperation and to investigate a new way of looking at governance.
Keywords
governance, development, effective state, foreign aid
Schedule
Issues of ‘governance” will be examined from the aspect of both theory and practice in international development cooperation, ranging from programs of public service reform, decentralization, capacity development in specific sectors to the discourse of state-society relations, donor-recipient relations, aid coordination, etc. Case studies will also be used to help students understand the practicalities of development cooperation.
In most sessions, after the lecturer’s introductory lectures, selected students will do presentations on assigned readings, which will be followed by discussions and sum-ups.
Teaching Methods
Mixture of lectures and seminars, class presentations and guest speakers
Grading
Grading will be based on general attitude in sessions, presentation on assigned readings and an essay
Required Text
Required readings will be listed in the handouts for the relevant sessions.
Reference Books
(The following books will not be necessarily used in the course)
de Haan, Arjan (2009) How the Aid Industry Works: An Introduction to International Development (Kumarian Press)
Harrison, Graham (2004) The World Bank and Africa: the Construction of Governance States (Routledge)
Karas, Homi, Koji Makino, and Woojin Jung eds. (2011) Catalyzing Development: A New Vision for Aid (Brookings Institution Press)
Scott, Zoë (2011) Evaluation of Public Sector Governance Reforms 2001-2011: Literature Review (Oxford Policy Management)
Sheng, Y.K. et al (2007) Access to Basic Services for the Poor: The Importance of Good Governance, Asia –Pacific MDG Study Series (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific)
Unsworth, Sue (2010) An Upside View of Governance, (The Centre for the Future Studies, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex)