BA-BPOLO1287U Political Economy of Development

English Title
Political Economy of Development
Learning objectives
 Identify, analyze and evaluate core concepts, theories, and issues in the political
economy of development
 Use the concepts and theories of the political economy of development to identify,
analyse, and evaluate key issues of economic and political development in developing
countries and emerging economies.
 Identify, analyze and evaluate economic, political, institutional, and structural causes
and consequences of development in a comparative perspective.
 Analyse empirical data and evidence concerning economic and political development
using the concepts and theories introduced in the course.
 Make a clear, coherent, and well-reasoned analysis of issues in political and
economic development based upon methods in the social sciences and a
comprehensive understanding of the theories and approaches introduced in the
course.

Examination
Political Economy of Development:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration 7 days to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam Same examination form as the ordinary exam
A new exam assignment must be answered. This apply to all
students (failed, ill, or otherwise)
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach
The course introduces students to theories and issues in the political economy of
development. The course will interrogate the interplay between states and markets in driving
economic (under)development, the politics of economic development, and the roles of
various domestic and international actors, institutions, and structures in this process. The
causes and consequences of poverty, inequality, and development will be approached from a
comparative perspective using data and case illustrations from, e.g., Africa, Asia, and Latin
America. In doing so, the course will address a number of salient issues in contemporary
debates on economic and political development, such as the roles of international trade,
foreign aid, corruption, and democratization in the developing world.

In relation to Nordic Nine

Political Economy of Development (PED) introduces students to theories and issues allowing
them to understand how the interplay between states, markets, and firms drive economic
development, the politics of economic development, and causes and consequences of poverty
and inequality on a domestic and global scale. PED directly provides student with a range of
transformative values and capabilities relating to the Nordic Nine. PED works with student
capabilities relating NN1 by interrogating how students can use and apply knowledge of
businesses and understandings of how businesses use global connections to operate
and create value in the context of local and global economic and political institutions
(NN9). PED also directly relate to NN7 by considering how policy choices that affect current
levels of prosperity may impact on the prosperity and life choices of next generations. For
instance, how policies or decisions that have immediate benefits for some groups may
negatively impact on the prosperity of next generations; or how the use of resources to
generate prosperity in the present may affect issues of economic and environmental
sustainability affecting future generations of citizens around the globe.

NN1: You have deep knowledge placed in a broad context.

NN7: You produce prosperity and protect the prosperity of next generations.

NN9: You create value from global connections for local communities.
Description of the teaching methods
Lectures, group discussions and exercises (including elements of blended learning).
Feedback during the teaching period
The course seeks to provide continuous feedback and establish an ongoing dialogue with
students. It does so specifically in the following ways:
a. Students are encouraged to use office hours to obtain feedback on questions arising
throughout the course. Office hours can be used individually or by groups in prearranged
time slots, where bookings can be made by contacting teaching staff in advance.
b. During exercises/workshops, students will get feedback on answers to questions that are
made available before class.
c. There will two (2) voluntary multiple choice quizzes made available on CBS Canvas.
Feedback will later be given explaining the reasons why a particular answer was correct or
incorrect and indicating how/where further material on the topic can be found. Feedback will
also relate the answers to readings in the course.
d. There will be one (1) voluntary assignment written individually or in groups. After the
voluntary assignment, feedback on the voluntary assignment will be given that will address
the strengths and weaknesses of the assignments and the extent to which they address the
learning objectives set for the course. Feedback will be given in a class dedicated to that
specific purpose. Students are encouraged to form self-study groups and, if academic issues
arise, contact staff for support.
Student workload
Preparation time (readings, group work etc.) 135 hours
Lectures / class exercises / “homework cafés” / workshops etc. 40 hours
Exam (incl. preparation for the exam and actual exam period) 41 hours
Further Information
The course relates closely to Nordic Nine #1 (business knowledge in context) and Nordic
Nine #7 (producing prosperity and protecting the prosperity of next generations).
CJB303 Political Communication
This unit surveys the theory and professional practices of political
and governmental communication, especially through the media
and communications industries. It examines contemporary and
historical political issues and communications in Australia and
internationally from the perspectives of democratic theory, media
influence, strategic image, and issue management. The unit
comprises an overview of theoretical approaches to political
communication, the construction of political discourse, and the
mobilisation of audiences/voters; an understanding of the
relationship between communication strategies and the
management of politics, with cases drawn from Australian and
international politics; and the capacity to critically appraise strategic
issues such as political persuasion, electoral strategy, and public
opinion formation.

Overview
This unit surveys the theory and professional practices of political and
governmental communication, especially through the media and
communications industries. It examines contemporary and historical political
issues and communications in Australia and internationally from the
perspectives of democratic theory, media influence, strategic image, and issue
management. The unit comprises an overview of theoretical approaches to
political communication, the construction of political discourse, and the
mobilisation of audiences/voters; an understanding of the relationship
between communication strategies and the management of politics, with
cases drawn from Australian and international politics; and the capacity to
critically appraise strategic issues such as political persuasion, electoral
strategy, and public opinion formation.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

 Demonstrate an applied understanding of key political structures and

institutions and how they shape political discourse and associated
communication practices.
 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main democratic functions
performed by the media.
 Demonstrate an applied understanding of how theories of political
communication and popular culture inform politics, parliament, and
political campaigns.
 Apply knowledge and communication skills in a variety of contexts and
modes relevant to political communication.
 Engage in critical, creative, and analytical thinking in relation to the
theory and practice of political communication.

Learning approaches
The unit combines lectures, tutorials, and readings with activities designed to
promote your conceptual understanding of political communication strategies.
A series of weekly study questions and readings will guide your study and
class discussion.

You will be expected to complete any prescribed self-study, including readings

out of class, and in preparation for subsequent classes.

Feedback on learning and assessment

 You will gain formative feedback on your progress during tutorial
exercises and discussions throughout the semester.
 You will gain written feedback on Assessment items 1 and 2.

You will gain formative feedback throughout the semester.

Assessment
The formative assessment approach of ongoing class activities enables
learners to become confident evaluators of the progress of their own work and
of the work of others. The assessment is designed to be challenging, realistic
and meaningful. An authentic approach to assessment is taken and
assessment is linked to the courses' content and outcomes. Assessment
outcomes demonstrate applied and critical understanding of the key content.