Decolonizing Development

Catalog description

In this course, we will collectively explore the connections between development, decolonization and social justice. Decolonizing, here, is about questioning the approach, assumptions, and impact of development theory and policy, as well as about creating processes that can undo historical and ongoing exclusions such as those based on class, race, gender, language, location, and colonialism. Together, we will examine: Who has the power to frame the meaning of “development" and “progress" in society? How has development been theorized and implemented, and why have development projects generated resistances across the world? How can we decolonize, and remake society in the contemporary conjuncture? Some of the themes that we will explore include the invention of poverty and development, feminist and Marxist theories of social change, food injustice in South Asia and Latin America, militarism and the politics of international aid, decolonizing nature and knowledge, and indigenous ways of being and resistance. We will draw upon texts in development sociology, anthropology, feminist and environmental thought, and indigenous and decolonial studies to inform our analysis. Students will hone their writing and research ability by working on two theory papers, and one final project focused on a contemporary social problem.