Development Policy and Economics: Human Security and Human Development

While much of the world has made rapid progress in reducing poverty, improving collective security and attaining economic growth, regions characterized by repeated cycles of political and criminal violence are being left far behind, their economic growth compromised and their human development indicators stagnant. Subsequently, this module has three main objectives. First, it introduces the students to key definitions and theoretical issues pertinent in theoretical development economics and policy. The concepts of "human security" and "human development" of the United Nations are guiding principles here. Second, the module discusses controversial issues related to human development, particularly with regard to using national resources in a development orientated way. Third, whenever possible, current debates and policy reports are incorporated into the module, for instance the Sachs-Easterly debate on the "right approach" for development or the 2011 World Development Report of the World Bank on Conflict, Security and Development.

Upon successful completion of this advanced module of development policy and economics, students are able to: (1) List the core principles of human security and development (2) Evaluate the constraints to sustainable socio-economic development in developing countries using the Human Development Index (HDI) and ecological indicators (3) Understand particular development issues associated with fragile states in developing countries. (4) Reproduce and interpret theoretical concepts relevant to development policy and economics, particularly with regard to human security and human development (5) Match and apply the theoretical concepts of development policy and economics.

There will be a written examination (120 minutes, Klausur) were students demonstrate that they can: (1) List the core principles of human security and development (2) Evaluate the constraints to sustainable socio-economic development in developing countries based on inadequate policy formulation (3) Understand particular development issues associated with fragile states in developing countries. (4) Reproduce and interpret theoretical concepts relevant to development policy and economics, particularly with regard to human security and human development (5) Match and apply the theoretical concepts of development policy and economics. A written exam is an appropriate way to evaluate student´s understanding of existing theoretical and empirical scientific articles. In addition, there is the possibility to perform a voluntary study performance as a mid-term performance according to APSO §6 (5). For this, a presentation (20 min) has to be passed. By passing the course work, the module grade is improved by 0.3, if, based on the overall impression, this better characterizes the student's performance level, and the deviation has no influence on the passing of the examination. No repeat date is offered for the mid-term performance. In the case of repeating the module examination, a mid-term performance already achieved will be considered.

Bachelor in agricultural economics, economics, development studies, political science or related fields.

Lectures shall be on the basis of power point presentations to summarize the required theory and methodology. Supplementary reading material is distributed on a case by case basis. Moderated class discussions are used to establish a deeper understanding of current issues in development policy and economics. The seminar allows students to apply the knowledge acquired in class to case studies and evaluate the implication of certain policy options. A voluntary term paper shall also be part of the seminar. The structure and content of the term paper are pre-determined and groups of maximum three individuals are formed at the beginning of the semester. The group work shall be presented during classes were each group will have a time limit of 30 min (including discussion).