ISSSV4756 – International Development Studies

Course content

The course provides a multidisciplinary analysis of global poverty and of development on global, national and local levels. A thematic approach is applied. Country comparisons are made in lectures and through active participation of the group. Special attention is given to North/South relations and to the role of civil society and development cooperation in poverty alleviation.

Students undertaking this course must read the letter sent by the course leader in early/mid-June to prepare for the course.

Learning outcome

To build new understanding of development issues on the basis of a dialog structured around some key issues. To provide insight into development thinking and how it has been and can be translated into practice.

Admission

If you would like to take this course, you must apply directly to the International Summer School

Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

A completed Bachelor’s degree or a period of study comparable with a Norwegian Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. Minimum academic requirements.

Applicants should have a related degree in social sciences, economy and/or development studies.

Recommended previous knowledge

Documented professional experience within development aid organisations or projects with an understanding of the theoretical background in development discourse may also qualify applicants even though their academic background does not match the course profile.

Teaching

The course consists of 26 lectures and seminars, 4 hours daily, Monday to Friday, for six weeks. Classroom sessions include lectures, student presentations, group exercises, discussions, and a workshop on development issues.

Students must attend a minimum of 75% of the lectures in order to take the final exam. Active participation throughout the course is expected of all participants, and attendance during realtime lectures, seminars and discussions is required.

Examination

The course includes a final 4-hour written exam. Your final grade will be comprised of the results from group work (30%) and a final written examination (70%).

You can check your results and order transcripts in StudentWeb three weeks after the exam.

Digital examination

The written examination is conducted in the digital examination system Inspera. You will need to familiarize yourself with the digital examination arrangements in Inspera.

Read more about written examinations using Inspera.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

Resit an examination

Candidates who have a re-scheduled or new examination are allowed take the next ordinary examination. If you have successfully passed obligatory assignments, or other compulsory activities required before you are qualified to attend the exam, you need not re-sit these.

Only students with either valid absence (doctor's note) or students who failed the exam can re-sit an exam.

Contact the ISS Office for more information.

Withdrawal from an examination

A student can take the class and sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must submit the Course change and withdrawal request form  at the latest one week before the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam, which is the general rule at UiO.

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Evaluation

The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.

Other

This course is offered in cooperation with the Department of Sociology & Human Geography at UiO.

Facts about this course

Credits
15
Level
Master
Teaching
Every summer
Examination
Every summer
Teaching language
English