POLS 248-01: Politics of Development
Class: TuTh 10:20 – 11:45
Room: 201 Stern Hall
Office: 110 Stern Hall
Course Description
This course examines contending historical and contemporary explanations for the phenomenon of entrenched global poverty and critically assesses proposed policy solutions to ending absolute poverty in our time. The course contrasts micro-level approaches which seek to build an “inclusive capitalism” through the extension of property rights and the enhancement of individual capacity with macro-level approaches that seek to restructure the international regime on debt relief and international development organizations. If the course is successful, it will provide students with a range of critical perspectives on the concept and practice of economic development.
Course Format
The course is centered on a critical discussion of eight books. Students are expected to come prepared to discuss the readings and provide critical analysis of the author’s argument and evidence.
05% Critical Presentation on one of the readings
25% 5 Quizzes
10% Active Class Participation
25% Mid-term examination
35% Final examination
Students will be asked to sign-up and lead at least one critical discussion (no summaries) of the assigned text. This presentation will be graded anonymously by your peers and the professor.
Attendance and Participation Policy
Thoughtful participation is the lifeblood of the learning process. Students are required to come to each and every class prepared to discuss the assigned readings and current events in an intelligent and critical manner. Students who do not participate voluntarily will be called on. Students are expected to take notes at each class session. Students may not bring a laptop computer or other electronic device to class.
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class session. Students who come to class late will be counted as absent. There are no excused absences in this course and students need not explain the reasons for their absences to the professor. On the fourth marked absence from class (i.e. the equivalent of two weeks of class time), the student will automatically fail the course. The only exception to this rule is for NCAA athletes participating in post-season games (these students will be required to write a four page paper for each class session missed). Students are strongly cautioned to take this attendance policy seriously and to manage their time accordingly. Exceptions for illnesses and family emergencies beyond the allotted absences will not be granted.
Required Books
The following texts are required for the course. A copy of each book will also be placed on reserve in the library. In order to facilitate discussion, please bring a copy of the text (or a photocopy of the relevant chapters) to each class session.
- De Soto, Hernando. The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West and Fails Everywhere Else. New York: Basic Books, 2000.
- Easterly, William. The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good. Boston: Penguin (Non-Classics), 2007.
- Escobar, Arturo. Encountering Development. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1995.
- Markandaya, Kamala. Nectar in a Sieve (Signet Classics). New York: Signet Classics, 2002 [1954].
- Rahman, Aminur. Women and Microcredit In Rural Bangladesh: An Anthropological Study Of Grameen Bank Lending. Oxford: Westview Press, 1999.
- Sachs, Jeffrey D. The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time. New York: Penguin Press, 2005.
- Sen, Amartya. Development as Freedom. New York: Anchor, 2000.
- Yunus, Muhammad. Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle against World Poverty. New York: Public Affairs, 2003.
The reading load for this course is moderate but there is a wealth of material which needs to be covered. Students need to exercise strong self-discipline and efficient time management to complete the readings. Students should be prepared to allot time to read between 60 to 90 pages per session.
Office Hours
My walk-in office hours are on Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at 110 Stern Hall. If that time is not convenient, students may schedule an appointment (Monday-Friday 10:00 - 4:30) by calling me at my office (315-781-3176). I also check my e-mail frequently, so feel free to drop a note if you prefer. I prefer to meet with students face to face if they are having difficulty with the course material. Please bring your texts and class notes to any scheduled meetings.
Honor Code
Students are expected to adhere to the HWS Principles of Academic Integrity at all times. If students are aware of a violation of the Principles, they must report the violation to the professor directly. Violations of the Principles may result in failure of the assignment or failure of the class, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Center for Teaching and Learning
Hobart and William Smith Colleges encourage students to seek the academic collaboration and resources that will enable them to demonstrate their best work. Students who would like to enhance their study skills, writing skills, or have other academic inquiries should contact the CTL. You may visit the CTL web site to learn more about the services and programs that are available. http://www.hws.edu/academics/ctl/index.aspx
Students with Learning Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability for which you may need accommodations, you are required to register with the Coordinator of Disability Services at the CTL and provide documentation of the disability. Services and accommodations will not be provided until this process is complete. The web site for information pertaining to registration with the CTL and documenting disabilities is: http://www.hws.edu/studentlife/stuaffairs_disabilities.aspx
Students with learning disabilities should contact the professor to discuss appropriate accommodations before 2/1/11 (please bring the appropriate forms from the Coordinator of Disability Services at the CTL).