DEVS3015 Current Trends in Development Policy (5 cr)

Course includes lectures, presentations from development policy actors, student presentations and preparation of a policy brief. The topics covered are the foundations of policy making in international development, recent changes in development policy, key topics in policy debates such global development goals and poverty reduction strategies. It also introduces the idea of evidence-based policy-making and experiments preparation of a policy brief. 

The course contributes to the DEICO programme learning outcomes: (2) understand the main policy-making actors, policy-making processes, and contents of policies in international development, sustainability and global education, as well as have an ability to critically assess and reflect these policies, and (6) be experienced in working and communicating in global teams with members from multiple backgrounds, be able to prepare, conduct and constructively comment presentations and papers for diverse audiences, and be able to organize teamwork practices in an effective and productive manner.

Upon completion of the course students are familiar with the general trends, changes and continuities in global and national development policies and debates. Further, they have a grasp of social, economic, political and cultural issues related to a variety of sector-specific areas of development policy. They will also have a basic understanding of policy analysis and have experienced in making presentation and preparing a literature-based policy brief for the audience of policy-makers. 

The course material consists of research articles and policy documents, which will be given on the course.