Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - IS 423 D100

International Development Practice and Ethics (4)

Class Number: 5273

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

    Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Critically considers why and how international development has been, and might be, pursued. Includes study of histories of development, theories of development, as well as policies, practices, different perspectives and outcomes of development. Students who have taken IS 429 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Development is not only about economic growth. It also includes dimensions such as welfare, sustainability, human rights, equality, empowerment, and justice. Development ethics is a field that crosscuts all these aspects. It focuses on what is right and wrong in development, specifically in real-life situations. Ethical considerations involve questions like who benefits and who suffers from development, whether countries in the global North should contribute to the development of the global South, the necessity and effectiveness of foreign aid, and how global justice can be achieved. Despite the positive connotations of the term development, its practice can be highly contested and controversial. This course explores the debates and controversies that arise in the processes of social and economic development. Throughout the term, the class will examine the ethical aspects of development and analyze the various practical challenges that development practitioners face in the field. Our examination of international development practice will be guided by prominent perspectives and principles in social and political ethics, including utilitarianism, contractarianism, communitarianism, cosmopolitanism, and pluriversality.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • identify common ethical issues involved in economic and social development processes
  • apply key concepts and perspectives in social and political ethics to various development concerns
  • critically assess prominent approaches to development from an ethical lens
  • gain an understanding of practical challenges faced by practitioners in the field
  • demonstrate how to address an ethical challenge in a real-world situation
  • improve their collaborative and interpersonal skills through participating in a group project

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Discussion Questions 15%
  • Reflective Journal Writing 15%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Ethics in Action (Group Project) 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ingram, D., & Derdak T.J. (2018). The ethics of development: An introduction. Routledge. (This book can be accessed online through the SFU library)

Drydyk, J., & Keleher, L. (Eds.). (2018). Routledge handbook of development ethics (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315626796 (Open Access)

All additional readings will be accessible digitally through Canvas. Students must ensure that they have completed all the assigned readings before attending class.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.