140307 UE PR1 - P II - Engaging Development Research into Action: Challenges and Considerations (2012S)

There is a long standing debate within development studies on the level of engagement with development policy and action: whether to maintain its critical, self-reflexive position or to orient its program towards more practical concerns. From a latter position, the course introduces the notion of systems thinking and how this may be used in conceptualising and designing development interventions within the framework of sustainability. The emphasis is on understanding the structure and dynamics of local rural communities (as socioecological systems) and the challenges and considerations this entails when designing development programmes. The seminar uses empirical data, examples, case studies and group work. The course will also try to gain insights into opportunities and constraints in existing framework conditions and what they mean for individual action.