All programmes > Development Cooperation

Development Cooperation (B-KUL-S0B91A)

4 ECTSEnglish26 Second term
Develtere Patrick
POC Politieke wetenschappen

Aims

Upon completion of this course the student has achieved the following aims:

  • The student has an oversight of the different actors in the sector: first pillar (bilateral cooperation), second pillar (multilateral cooperation), third pillar (non-governmental cooperation), fourth pillar (decentralized cooperation);
  • The student has an oversight of the different processes in the sector: structural aid, humanitarian aid, etc.;
  • The student can give comments on the ongoing debates about development cooperation;
  • The student can describe the policy, methodological and operational consequences of a specific project and programme evaluations.

 

These aims are communicated to the students at the beginning of the course.

Previous knowledge

At the beginning of this course the student has already achieved the following aims:

  • The student has a sufficient knowledge of the social, economic and political context of the third world. It is therefore recommended that students follow other courses such as S0D22C Instellingen en beleid van de ontwikkelingslanden [Institutions and Policy of Development Countries]. Having passed this or similar courses is recommended, though not a formal prerequisite;
  • The student can read and study general handbooks or articles on international development cooperation to acquire or strengthen his/her understanding of the course content. Suggested readings include:
    • The most recent Human Development Report (UNDP);
    • The most recent World Development Report (World Bank).
  • The student is able to write an academic paper;
  • The student is able to work independently.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4 ects. Development Cooperation (B-KUL-S0B91a)

4 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture26 Second term
Develtere Patrick
POC Politieke wetenschappen

Content

The course content consists of the following components:

  • Development cooperation: community, arena and, increasingly, market
  • From colonialism to the Sustainable Development Goals
  • Cooperation means partnership
  • Official bilateral cooperation: fractions and fragmentation
  • Europe's development cooperation patchwork
  • Multilateral cooperation: the UN galaxy
  • The NGDO's: bringing values into the market
  • A fourth pillar on the market
  • Humanitarian aid: in good shape or going downhill?
  • The unbearable lightness of the support for development cooperation
  • Drawing up the balance sheet

Course material

The course will use the following course materials:

  • Textbook which will be available at Acco and other bookshops in Leuven: P. Develtere, H. Huyse & J. Van Ongevalle (2021). International Development Cooperation: Towards a New Paradigm. Leuven: Leuven University Press;
  • Slides which will be made available via Toledo;
  • Personal notes.

Format: more information

This course is organized on campus. Students are expected to:

  • Participate actively during the (weekly) lectures;
  • Study the textbook;
  • Read one or more development projects or programmes;
  • Write a paper/speaking notes in which they evaluate the project(s) or programme(s).

Evaluation

Evaluation: Development Cooperation (B-KUL-S2B91a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Oral, Paper/Project
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : Course material

Explanation


Characteristics of the evaluation

Oral, open book exam with a written preparation time of at least 20 minutes.

The student receives two questions and has to choose one to answer.

The student has to read one or more development project(s) or programme(s) and has to write a paper/speaking notes in which (s)he evaluates the project(s) or programme(s). The paper will be explained in further detail during the lectures.

During the oral exam:

  • The student presents his/her answer;
  • The student presents his/her speaking notes;
  • The students answers a few additional small questions.

 

Determination of the end result

The evaluation is done by the didactic team, as communicated via Toledo and the exam schedule. The result is calculated and expressed as an integer number on 20.

 

The end result is a weighted number that is determined as follows:

  • Oral exam: 50%
  • Paper: 50%

 

If a student does not participate in one of the partial evaluations of the course, the student receives a ‘not taken’ (NA) for the entire course.

 

Students submit their speaking notes 4 working days before the oral exam. The deadline for submission of the paper is to be respected. If the deadline is not respected, the student will get a ‘NA’ (not taken) for the entire course. There can be no negotiation about possible postponement. In case of exceptional individual circumstances, the student should contact the ombudsperson before the deadline. A new deadline can only be determined for serious reasons and after request.

 

Students are fully responsible for submitting papers and assignments free of fraud and plagiarism (www.kuleuven.be/english/education/plagiarism) and are requested to observe the Faculty’s relevant regulations. Plagiarism will be sanctioned with the sanctions mentioned in the University’s Regulations on Education and Examinations (www.kuleuven.be/education/regulations).

 

Retaking exams

Students who do not pass for this course at their first attempt, can do a resit. The evaluation format and modalities will be the same as those of the first opportunity, as outlined above. Students submit their speaking notes 4 working days before the oral exam.

Information about retaking exams

See explanation 'retaking exams'.