This course gives space to the different multidisciplinary approaches (drawing on economics, sociology, anthropology, political science), both mainstream and critical perspectives, to reflect on the concept of development, both theoretically and empirically.

As the world changes at a rapid pace, the debates about development, multiperspectivity and decolonization are also gaining momentum. Development models, theories and practices are 'traditionally' based on Western perspectives. In recent decades, however, these models have been increasingly criticized for 2 reasons:

1. because they mainly build on scientific knowledge that is produced in the Global North, with a western bias thereby excluding other perspectives (from the Global South)
2. because these development models are increasingly seen as not being able to tackle the current global challenges such as climate injustice and shifting inequalities (which are often even considered to be among the causes of these challenges)

The Theories of Development course gives space to the different multidisciplinary approaches (drawing on economics, sociology, anthropology, political science), both mainstream and critical perspectives, to reflect on the concept of development, both theoretically and empirically.

This course allows professionals to be up-to-date with developments in the domain in a relatively short period of time (4 weeks).

• Master or Bachelor students in Social Sciences ( Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, International Relations, etc.) with a specific interest in international development issues
• Development practitioners and activists (workers of NGOS, international institutions, microfinance institutions, civil society organizations, etc.)
• Experts (consultants) active in development cooperation fields
• Government officials and policy makers active in development cooperation field
• IOB alumni who would like to update or extend their knowledge on theories of development