THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF MALAWI

Course outline

DEVE 1101: Introduction to Development Studies

1. Faculty : Social Sciences

2. Programme : Bachelor of Social Science (Development
Studies)
3. Department : Development Studies
4. Course title : Introduction to Development Studies
5. Course Code : DEVE 1101M
6. Course year and level :1
7. Course Duration : 17 Weeks
8. Lecture hours per week :2
9. Practical and Tutorial hours per week: 1
10. Course Credits :3
11. Method of Assessment : Continuous assessment 40%
: Final examination 60%
12. Pre-requisites
This is a foundation course

13. Course Descriptor and Rationale

This course is designed to introduce students to the nature and processes of development.
This knowledge will help students to demonstrate an understanding of social, economic,
political, technological, and environmental development in Malawi and the world.

14. Aims of the Course

This course aims at introducing students to the concept of development and its aspects. This
knowledge will help students to appreciate the need for the development of a nation.
15. Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students must be able to:
a. Explain the concept of development
b. Describe the history of development studies
c. Analyze economic development of Malawi
d. Describe the state of social development of Malawi
e. Discuss the level of political development of Malawi
f. Discuss the level of technological development of Malawi
g. Analyze environmental development in Malawi

16. Topics of study

a. The concept of development
i. Meaning of development
ii. History of development studies
iii. Importance of development
iv. Characteristics of developing countries
v. Sustainable development
vi. The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy
b. Economic development
i. Meaning of economic development
ii. Theories of economic development
iii. Measures of economic development
iv. Economic development policies in Malawi
v. Economic development strategies in Malawi
vi. Challenges facing economic development in Malawi
c. Social development
i. Meaning of social development
ii. Theories of social development
iii. Measures of social development
iv. Social development policies in Malawi
 v. Social development strategies in Malawi
vi. Challenges facing social development in Malawi
d. Political development
i. Meaning of political development
ii. Theories of political development
iii. Measures of political development
iv. Political development policies in Malawi
v. Political development strategies in Malawi
vi. Challenges facing political development in Malawi
e. Technological development
i. Meaning of technological development
ii. Theories of technological development
iii. Measures of technological development
iv. Technological development policies in Malawi
v. Technological development strategies in Malawi
vi. Challenges facing technological development in Malawi
f. Environmental development
i. Meaning of environmental development
ii. Theories of environmental development
iii. Measures of environmental development
iv. Environmental development policies in Malawi
v. Environmental development strategies in Malawi
vi. Challenges facing environmental development in Malawi

17. Teaching and Learning methods/Activities

a. Lectures
b. Tutorials
c. Group discussions
d. Student presentations
e. Seminars
f. Educational visits
18. Prescribed texts
Potter, R., Binns, T., Elliott, J.A. and Smith, D. (2008). Geographies of development: An
introduction to development studies. 3rd Ed. London: Pearson Education Limited.
Szirmai, A (2015). Socio-Economic Development. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
Todaro, M.P. & Smith, S.C. (2012). Economic Development. 11th ed. New York:Harlow
Addison-Wesley.

19. Recommended Texts

Jaffee, D. (2004). Levels of Socio-economic Development Theory. (2nd Ed). London:Praeger.
Jomo, K.S. (Ed.). (2005). The Pioneers Of Development Economics: Great Economists On
Development. London: Zed Books.
Rapley, J., (2007). Understanding Development: Theory And Practice In Third World.
London: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Rist, G. (2008). The History of Development (3rd ed.). London: Zed Books Limited.
Stutz, F.P., & Warf B. (2005). The World Economy: Resources, Location, Trade and