CDAE 2990 A (CRN: 95392)

Cmty Dev & Apld Econ: Community & Develop Theory (A)

1 to 18 credit hours

About CDAE 2990 A

Lectures or readings on contemporary issues in Community Development and Applied Economics. Enrollment may be more than once, up to twelve hours.

Notes

Prereqs: CDAE 1020; Open to Degree and PACE students Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations

Section Description

The idea of development is deeply contested and politically charged. Competing theories of political economy and development have shaped how “progress” is defined, who benefits, whose knowledge counts, and what kinds of interventions are pursued. Though often implicit, these theoretical assumptions structure development institutions, policies, and practices across local, national, and global scales.

This course introduces students to core theories of political economy and community development through critical readings, lectures, discussion, and applied analysis. We will examine both classical and contemporary development theories and trace how they have informed — and continue to inform — development strategies across different geographic and political economic contexts.

Particular attention will be paid to the embedded assumptions within development paradigms:
What counts as development?
Who defines it?
Who benefits and who is marginalized?
How do power, colonial histories, capitalism, and governance shape outcomes?

Students will leave the course with the ability to critically analyze development initiatives and assess their theoretical foundations.

Section Expectation

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
a) Clearly explain and compare key theories of community and development
b) Trace the historical evolution of development thought and its policy applications
c) Identify and analyze the assumptions embedded within development frameworks
d) Critically evaluate the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary development initiatives
e) Apply development theory to real-world case studies

Evaluation

Students will be assessed based on a combination of class participation, written work, and oral presentations.

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Last Day to Add
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Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund
Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund
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