Course details

This module aims to develop participants’ critical analysis of social forces which impact on development in their own society in the context of globalisation.

Module Objectives

  • To explore understandings of society, social relations and social change in the context of participants’ experience of their own society.
  • To critically reflect on theories of social development focusing in particular on modernisation and its effects, as well as on the structural constraints on social development in various country contexts as interpreted by dependency and world systems theories.
  • To critically analyse theories of globalisation focusing in particular on the effects of globalisation processes in relation to inequality, migration and development policy.
  • To critically reflect on development ‘alternatives’ and how social development is shaped by various actors and institutions, e.g., through the state, NGOs, in development policies and representations and by social movements

Module Learning Outcomes

  • Participants will be able to critically reflect on their own society in terms of how it is structured, the social changes which have occurred and the social relations which characterise it.
  • Participants are expected to have an overall understanding of different theoretical perspectives on development from a sociological point of view, with an in-depth understanding of and an ability to critique at least three of these perspectives with reference to contemporary debates and their own experience.
  • Participants will have an understanding of some of the key debates related to processes of globalisation and its effects on social development in different contexts.
  • Participants will become familiar with contemporary debates relating to the role of the State and NGOs in development practice and will be able to offer a critique of the role of various actors, institutions and discourses in shaping development.

Details of assessment and up to date reading lists for this module will be made available to learners following enrollment.

Updated on 08 November, 2015

About Kimmage Development Studies Centre

Kimmage Development Studies Centre is based at Kimmage Manor, in Dublin, Ireland. It was established in 1974 by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (also known as the Spiritans or the Holy Ghost Fathers) initially to provide education and training to intending overseas missionaries, and from 1978 onwards to cater for the training needs of the growing development NGOs and volunteer sending agencies. From the beginning, the programme of studies theylcomed participants of all backgrounds, cultures, nationalities, religious persuasions, and to date has accommodated students from over 65 different countries, drawn mainly from Africa and Ireland but increasingly, also from Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Since 1978 Kimmage has received funding towards its activities from the Department of Foreign Affairs (and through its agency, Irish Aid). their other stheirces of funding include NGOs in the development field, the Spiritan Congregation, tuition fees and earnings from consultancy activities. For much of its history, the Centre was run as an independent unit or department within Holy Ghost College under the trusteeship of the Spiritan Congregation with a Constitution and Board of Governors.
See all Kimmage Development Studies Centre courses
Are you from Kimmage Development Studies Centre ? Claim your course!
Courses you can instantly connect with... Do an online course on Psychology and Social work starting now. See all courses

Is this the right course for you?

Rate this page

Didn't find what you were looking for ?

or