Sociological Theories of Development
T 2:30-5:30.
F. Makki. Spring.

With the collapse of colonial empires and the transformation of former colonies into “developing countries,” the notion of “development” emerged as a key conceptual framework for understanding global hierarchies in wealth and power. Sustained by an apparatus of national states and international agencies, the development idea generated a vast body of literature seeking to account for or promote social, economic and political change. In this course, we will examine a range of competing theories of development. Topics covered will include: colonialism and development, agrarian change and industrial convergence, East Asia and the developmental state, globalization and alternatives to development. Throughout the course, the concept of development itself is questioned and critiqued in terms of practical challenges from environmental, women, indigenous and other social movements.