Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - EDUC 710 G001

Special Topics

Issues in Intern'l Dev & Educ

Class Number: 5103

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Thu, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Variable units 3, 4, 5.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to international development from multiple perspectives, and critically examines the role and application of development education in formal and non-formal educational settings. Students will examine a range of introductory ideas, concepts and disciplinary approaches in the field of international development, to form a critical understanding of international development issues. The course will first provide a brief survey of the historical processes that shaped the practices and policies of international development, and then examine some key concepts such as helping, charity, aid, participation, and human development. Through scholarly literature, film, and case studies, students will be able to develop knowledge about development issues such as poverty, gender, the environment, resources, livelihoods, sustainable development, aid, the millennium development goals and so on. This overview will culminate in a study of education in ‘developing’ countries, including its history in development frameworks, influences, and current initiatives such as Education for All. The course will also provide an overview of global citizenship and global citizenship education before examining development education initiatives and programs in North America. From the base of knowledge of international development and best practice acquired thus far, students will be encouraged to identify, examine and analyze the various charitable fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and service learning programs that form the formal and informal curriculum of development education in Canadian educational settings, to evaluate their suitability for the classroom.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course aims to:
·      Introduce students to the history, key ideas, theories, concepts and practices of international development, using a variety of case studies and examples from around the world;
·      Introduce students to readings from a variety of disciplines, and diverse scholars and authors, especially those from the South;
·      Provide a sound understanding of education in development contexts, including the intersectional nature of challenges; ·      Encourage students to critically assess and analyze the successes and failures of international development in addressing problems of power, inequality and oppression, with particular reference to the education sector;
·      Introduce students to global citizenship education, and encourage students to critically analyze the discourses of global citizenship;
·      Encourage students to work independently and in small groups;
·      Support students to strengthen skills in leading a graduate seminar;
·      Promote the development of strong analytical, writing, reading and discussion skills.  

Grading

  • 1. Critical reading responses or Media analysis of a development issue 30%
  • 2. Lead a seminar 20%
  • 3. Final project or paper 40%
  • 4. Presentation of final project 10%

NOTES:

Students will be evaluated on the following assignments:  
1.     Critical reading  responses or Media analysis of a development issue: 
3 critical reading responses (2 -3 pages) OR analyses of development related news or media items. TBD during the first class  
2.     Lead a seminar: 
Facilitate discussion of a reading. This could be done individually, or in pairs (to be finalized in class based on enrolment numbers).  
3.     Final project or paper: 
Students will have the choice of developing curriculum materials for the classroom, developing a professional development workshop, or writing an academic paper on a topic of their choice relating to development education.
4.     Presentation of final project: 
A formal presentation of the student’s final project /paper.    

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Black, M. (2015). International development: Illusions and realities. 3rd edition. NoNonsense Guide series. Oxford: New Internationalist. ISBN 978-1-78026-239-0
ISBN: 978-1-78026-239-0

Sachs, W. (Ed). (2010). The development dictionary: A guide to knowledge as power. 2nd edition. London & New York: Zed Books. ISBN-13: 9781848133808
ISBN: 9781848133808

Other readings, such as journal articles, will be identified when the syllabus is finalized after the first class.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS