2010 Spring PUBPOL 264-51
Bulletin Course Description Selected topics. Instructor: Staff
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title COMMUNITES & DEVELOPMENT Department PUBPOL Course Number 2010 Spring 264 Section Number 51 Primary Instructor Krishna,Anirudh Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
This seminar is aimed at developing an understanding of bottom-up development processes. The policy issue that we address is how best can communities and individuals be supported to undertake social and economic development enterprises either by themselves or in cooperation with state and market agencies? The seminar has an analytical as well as a practical focus. Analytical issues are examined in terms of the dynamics of community-based development. Which factors might assist and which other factors tend to hinder communities’ capacities and willingness to engage in development-related tasks? Given the growth of global influences, how has the role of community organizations changed? Does development from below matter more or less than it did in the past? Policy and program management issues are examined in relation to the design and execution of external support programs. How can external assistance be designed to complement (and not substitute for) communities’ internal strengths and resources? What roles can (and should) external agents play in any given set of circumstances? Theoretical formulations, policy analyses, and case studies related to a range of countries and sectors are reviewed.
Textbooks
• Active Social Capital: Tracing the Roots of Development and Democracy. Anirudh Krishna. Columbia University Press, 2002
• Reasons for Success: Learning from Instructive Experiences in Rural Development. Norman Uphoff, Milton J. Esman, and Anirudh Krishna. Kumarian Press, 1998
• Reasons for Hope: Instructive Experiences in Rural Development. Anirudh Krishna, Norman Uphoff, and Milton J. Esman, eds. Kumarian Press, 1997
• Wars, Guns, and Votes: Democracy in Dangerous Places. Paul Collier. HarperCollins 2009.
• Globalization and its Discontents. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Norton, 2002
Assignments
1. Research Paper (60 percent of the grade): focusing on either (a) Analyzing a community-led development program with which the student is familiar, or (b) Examining why community-led development processes have particular importance within a specific sector (such as environment, population, gender welfare, etc.) or a particular country to be selected by the student.
2. Discussion Paper (20 percent of the grade): For each class, two students will be assigned to write brief papers (3-4 pages) that will critically examine all of the readings for that day. Each student is required to write two such papers.
3. Journal Research Paper (10 percent of the grade): Each student will select one or two journals from a list that will be circulated in class. Students will be expected to scan issues of this journal, pick out articles that have a particular bearing on the issues that we are discussing, and present these articles in class. Each student will be called upon to make one such presentation during the semester.
4. Class Participation (10 percent of the grade): This class is designed as a seminar, which means that we will be learning together collectively. Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss all the readings for that day. (NOTE: In signing up for this class you are making this commitment.)
Exams
None
Term Papers
Yes
Grade to be based on
1. Research Paper (60 percent)
2. Discussion Paper (20 percent)
3. Journal Research Paper (10 percent)
4. Class Participation (10 percent)
