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School of Law, Politics and Sociology

Development and the State (L2128)

Development and the State

Module L2128

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 5

Module Outline

How can states can pursue forms of development that are more or less emancipatory to
marginalised peoples? This module is concerned with the role of the state in development. It
considers this subject matter theoretically, that is by exploring debates in state theory, and on the
relationship between the state and development; empirically, by investigating a range of historical
and contemporary state forms, and the impacts of these state forms on processes of development;
and normatively, by posing questions about what the nature and role of the state should ideally be.
The module examines the main theoretical approaches to the state and historical state forms and
their attendant development experiences, in the North and in the post-colonial South.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the different theoretical
perspectives which have been used to explain, interpret and evaluate the
place of the state in development.

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the development experiences and
trajectories of a range of different states and state forms.

Formulate academically informed opinions about the relationship between
the state and development.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of how different states can purse different forms of development that are more or less emancipatory to marginalised peoples.

TypeTimingWeighting
Essay (3000 words)Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterLecture1 hour11111111111
Spring SemesterSeminar1 hour11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Benjamin Selwyn

Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/230531

Dr Anna Laing

Assess convenor
/profiles/397849

Mr Simon Overton

Assess convenor
/profiles/634530

Prof Anne-Meike Fechter

Assess convenor
/profiles/158737

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