The minor in Development Studies introduces students to the issues surrounding poverty and social inequality in less developed countries, or Global South. Development policies based on economic growth have had very mixed results in terms of fighting poverty. Insofar they have been successful in raising a country's gross domestic product (GDP), this growth has often been at the expense of social equality and the natural environment.
This minor looks at the global dimensions of poverty and development policies, including the role of states, transnational corporations (TNCs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multilateral donor organizations. It also examines local responses to poverty and inequality, livelihood strategies, the importance of political empowerment, and the conditions under which development stratgeies have been successful.
As some of the lecturers for these courses have work experience as development consultants, students will also have the opportunity to learn first hand how knowledge is applied in the field.
Khadija Laye Kabl, student Bestuurs- en organisatiewetenschap, follows the minor Development Studies: Development Studies has given me a new perspective on life. Would you like to contribute to the livelihood of our society? Choose this minor!
This course is taught in English.
To find out about how to apply for this minor, see admission requirements and application.
Programme
This minor is taught in the first and second period of the first semester (from September to January) and consists of five courses, 30 credits in total.
