PSCI 431 GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT FALL 2018

Class Schedule & Contact Information

Schedule: MWF 11:30AM-12:20PM
Location: SBSB 1105
Instructor: Dr. Xiaoye She
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 760-750-8229
Office Hours: SBSB 4108, MW 2:30PM-3:30PM and by appointment

Please read carefully through the course syllabus below and let the instructor know asap
if you have any question. The instructor reserves all rights to make any necessary
changes to the syllabus any time during the semester. Major changes such as course
schedule adjustments will be announced on Cougar Course and during class.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an overview of major concepts, theories and empirical issues in the
field of global development, an interdisciplinary field that incorporate perspectives from
economics, political science and other social science disciplines. We will start by
discussing the meaning of development and why are there contentious debates around
this concept and how to measure it. We will then trade the historical origins and the
contending theories and explore why some countries have become rich while others have
remained poor. In the second part of the course, students will have the opportunity to
learn about and critically evaluate competing economic, political, and cultural theories of
development. The last part of this course will focus on contemporary issues of global
development, covering issues such as trade and development, foreign aid, food,
population, environment, as well as the role of gender.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this course is to improve your theoretical understanding, critical thinking,
analytical and communication skills in studying and debating historical and contemporary
issues of global development.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to accomplish the following
activities:
• Identify and describe major concepts and theories of global development
• Provide examples and contrast how geography, economics, political institutions
and culture influence trajectories of development
• Construct coherent arguments with strong supporting evidence to assess the
validity of competing global development theories
• Critically evaluate the role of state and non-state actors in global development

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 • Present these arguments in oral and written forms and discuss their policy
implications
The Political Science Department has a set of learning outcomes for all of its graduates.
Following completion of the required PSCI curriculum students will be able to:
• Summarize the foundational principles and key concepts in all four subfields of
Political Science (American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics,
and Political Theory).
• Describe and analyze the roles played by race, ethnicity, gender, and class in
historical and contemporary political environments and analyze and evaluate the
impact of such factors across the four subfields of Political Science.
• Analyze and evaluate the role of state and non-state actors, institutions and
organizations, and policy in at least two of the four subfields of Political Science.
• Apply theories, political thought, ideologies, and ideas to historical content and
contemporary empirical realties in at least two of the four subfields of Political
Science.
• Apply critical thinking skills and knowledge of research methods to formulate and
implement a research design to analyze political phenomena.
• Utilize effective writing skills to analyze political issues, ideas, and policies; these
skills include formulating a thesis, making arguments, and providing evidence.
PREREQUISITES
A previous course in international relations, comparative politics, or global studies is
recommended but not required.
COURSE RESOURCES
A. Assigned Readings:
All assigned readings (other than the textbooks) will be available on the CSUSM Cougar
system. The textbooks are available at CSUSM bookstore and can be purchased via
online platforms. Students are expected to contact the instructor well in advance if they
have problem access any reading. Not being able to access the materials in time will not
be accepted as an excuse for late assignments.
B. Textbooks:
Required:
• Amartya Sen (2000). Development as freedom. Anchor Books. (ISBN:
9780195655261)
• Mitchell A. Seligson & John T Passe-Smith. 2014. Development and
Underdevelopment. Rienner. (ISBN: 9781626370319)
The Kellogg library has another version of Sen’s book and I will put it on hold for 3-hour
reserve. Students who want to access this book may make a request to the library and

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borrow it for up to three hours. For Seligson’s text, it is important that you acquire the
2014 edition since the contents and readings have changed over the years.
Recommended resources:
If you are interested in learning more about the economic perspectives, Todaro and
Smith’s text provides a good overview of the field of development economics:
• Michael P. Todaro & Stephen C. Smith. Economic Development. 12th ed. Pearson.
(ISBN: 9780133406788).
Kellogg library allows you access Proquest Ebook Central which provides a wide array of
books relevant to the field of development. As a CSUSM student you have access to full
texts of these books (just click the link and using your CSUSM credentials to log in). We
will also use some excerpts from some major authors such as Ngaire Woods, William
Easterly, Joseph Stiglitz, William Clark, Paul Collier, Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo.
The following books are recommended for students who are interested in exploring further
the contending perspectives introduced in this course:
• Nancy Toff and Jagdish Bhagwati. In Defense of Globalization.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csusm/detail.action?docID=271652#
• Ngaire Woods. The Globalizers: The IMF, the World Bank, and Their Borrowers.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csusm/detail.action?docID=3138676#
• Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo. Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the
Way to Fight Global Poverty.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csusm/detail.action?docID=876489
• William R. Easterly. The Elusive Quest for Growth: Economists' Adventures and
Misadventures in the Tropics.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csusm/detail.action?docID=3338892
• Mancur Olson. The Rise and Decline of Nations: Economic Growth, Stagflation,
and Social Rigidities.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csusm/detail.action?docID=3420903#
• Joseph E. Stiglitz and Andrew Charlton. Fair Trade for All: How Trade Can
Promote Development.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csusm/detail.action?docID=422418
• William R. Clark and Paul Collier. The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries
Are Failing and What Can Be Done about It
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csusm/detail.action?docID=415838#

C. Online resources:
During this course, students are expected to stay abreast of current global development
issues. These current events will provide information for your class discussions and
assignments. The best way of informing yourself about current events is by reading (in
print or on-line) a newspaper or magazine with good international coverage and especially

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a dedicated development section. Other than major U.S. news outlets that you prefer, the
following international sources are recommended:
• BBC: https://www.bbc.com/
• The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/
• The Economist: https://www.economist.com/
• UN, IRIN: http://www.irinnews.org/
• Devex: https://www.devex.com/.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
• Attendance and Contributions (20%)
Students are expected to attend every class and actively participate in group and whole-
class discussions. When attendance is low, the instructor may distribute attendance sheet
at the beginning of class. Students who are late 15 minutes or more will be considered
as absent from that class.
Attendance is NOT equal to participation. You should come to class having completed all
assigned readings and be ready to discuss relevant topics. There will be pop-up quizzes
during class meetings, taking the form of short reflection/argument paragraphs on
readings and in-class discussions. Your contribution to the class will be measured by both
discussion participation and the quality of your written reflections.
• Case Studies and Leading Discussions (15%)
All students will sign up for group case studies at the beginning of the semester. The goal
of the group case study is to help students comprehend and critically evaluate a
contentious issue topic from competing theoretical perspectives, and then discuss their
policy implications. Building on the case study materials provided by the instructor,
student groups will prepare a presentation of the case to the whole class during the week
assigned and lead the class discussions to explore the case in depth. Detailed
instructions will be distributed during Week 2.
Before the presentation, the group will submit their presentation slides/outline (with
marked individual contributions) and a list of discussion questions (3 unique questions
per group member, cross-checked before submission). Every group member is expected
to contribute FAIRLY to the presentation and discussion. Peer assessment forms (PAFs)
will be distributed following each group case study.
• Take-home Midterm Exams (40%)
There will be a total of TWO take-home exams during the semester for Part I (15%) and
Part II (25%). The goal of these midterm exams is to help you review course materials,
reflect on in-class discussions, and apply them to analyze critical issues in global
development. Each midterm exam will contain short-answer and long-essay questions.
You are expected to complete the exams independently. Detailed instructions will be
distributed along with the exams. There is NO final exam in this course. Instead, students

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will be asked to complete a final development project that combines group presentations
with individual analytical writing.
• Final development Project (25%)
We will dedicate the last few classes to the course final development project, which will
be a condensed, policy-oriented learning activity. Students will reflect on their class
experiences, choose a development issue in least-developed countries (LDCs) and
identify a concrete, feasible solution. Starting from watching a video on a
policy/development issue, you will work together to analyze real world issues and identify
possible solutions collaboratively. Student groups will make a presentation on the issue
providing policy recommendations and justification. After receiving instructor feedback,
students will complete the writing component (15%) individually and submit their final
research report on Dec 14. Detailed instructions will be distributed during class.
Activity Components Points
Attendance and Attendance & participation 100
Contributions
In-class reflections 100
Case Studies Group Presentation 100
Leading Discussion 50
Peer evaluation factored
Take-home midterm Part 1 exam 150
exams
Part 2 exam 250
Development Group Presentation 100
Project
Individual Development 150
Report
Peer evaluation factored
Total 1000
The final numerical grade will be the total points you received divided by 10. It will then
be converted into a final letter grade using the following scales:
Grade Scale Conversion Grade Scale Conversion
93-100 A 73-76 C
90-92 A- 70-72 C-
87-89 B+ 67-69 D+
83-86 B 63-66 D

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 80-82 B- 60-62 D-
77-79 C+ Grade < 60 F

COURSE POLICIES
• Absences
You are expected to attend every class and actively participate in discussion. One
unexcused absence is allowed throughout the course period. If you expect to miss more
than one class, you should schedule an appointment with me immediately and provide a
legitimate excuse with appropriate documentation. Failure to attend and participate in
class will affect your class performance in significant ways, such as receiving zero grade
on in-class assignments and activities. Please plan ahead and notify your instructor early.
Students who misses more than three classes will be referred to Cougar Care network to
ensure that they receive appropriate academic support and successfully complete this
course before it is too late.
• Class participation and contributions
You are always expected to act in a respectful manner to other students. There will be
many interactive activities in this class that involves open discussions and debates. You
must be respectful of other students’ opinions and refrain from using harsh or
inappropriate languages. Cell phone usage is strictly prohibited. If you really need to
take an important phone call (such as job-related) during class, please notify the instructor
in advance of class to minimize distraction to other students. Laptops are prohibited
unless students contact instructor in advance and provide legitimate reason. Laptop users
are expected to sit in the FRONT ROW and cannot distract other students in any way.
Students violating these rules may be asked to leave the classroom, and the absence will
be considered unexcused and subject to grade penalties.
• Late or Missed Assignments or Exams
Late assignments will not be accepted unless you provide legitimate reason and
appropriate documentation. Missed assignments will be counted as a zero which will
result in significant reduction of your overall grade for this course. Make-up exams will
only be provided in exceptional circumstances, and if you provide documentation that is
deemed appropriate by the instructor. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor as
early as possible and make arrangements for the make-up.
• Plagiarism and/or Academic Dishonesty
Any student found to be in violation of the University’s policy on plagiarism and academic
honesty will receive an automatic F in this course and will be reported to the appropriate
authorities. You are expected to go through the library subject guides on citation and
plagiarism before the class begins and cite every source appropriately in every written
assignment. Please consult the university library and the following resources if you have
any questions:

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CSUSM Academic Honesty Policy:
https://www.csusm.edu/policies/active/documents/academic_honesty_policy.html
Citation Subject Guide:
https://biblio.csusm.edu/guides/citations
Plagiarism Subject Guide:
https://library.csusm.edu/plagiarism/index.html
• Accommodations
Students with disabilities who require academic accommodations must be approved for
services by providing appropriate and recent documentation to the Office of Disabled
Student Services (DSS). This office is located in Craven Hall 5205, and can be
contacted by phone at (760) 750-4905, or TDD (760) 750-4909. Students authorized by
DSS to receive accommodations should meet with me during my office hours or in a
more private setting in order to ensure your confidentiality. The instructor will make
every effort to accommodate difficulties arising religious observance.
• Academic and Writing Support
The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides a wide array of services to students to
ensure their academic success: https://www.csusm.edu/asc/resources.html. ASC is
located on the second floor of Kellogg Library in room 2111, next door to the Media
Library, and available Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You may also call them at 760-750-
3275 or email [email protected].
The Writing Center offers a welcoming learning environment where certified student
consultants offer free and constructive guidance to all writers at any stage of the writing
process -- idea generation, argument development, sentence-level revision, and more.
The WC works through attention to the prompt and guiding questions, as students work
to develop compelling texts. The WC is committed to providing non-judgmental
feedback through a growth mindset philosophy. Additional services include assistance
with Academic English, study space, writing workshops, and small group sessions.
Walk-ins are welcome, or you can reserve an appointment by visiting
www.csusm.edu/writingcenter or calling (760)-750-4168. You will find the center in
KELLOGG 1103! They are open M-Th, 9-6 and F, 9-2.

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COURSE SCHEDULE
Subject to change. Will announce in class and on Cougar
Note: [EC/LC] = Excerpts/Links on Cougar **=Required [R]=Recommended

Week Sessions Topic Readings and In-class Activities

Part I Foundations of Global Development
W1 8/27-8/29 Course **Sen, Development as freedom, Introduction. [EC]
Overview **Video: USA for Africa, “We are the World”. [LC]
**Wainaina, “How to write about Africa?” [EC]
[R]Todaro & Smith, “Introducing Economic Development: A
Global Perspective”. [EC]

No class 8/31: APSA

Watch PBS Frontline “Battle for Haiti” and complete a one-
page reflection
W2 9/5-9/7 What is **Video: Alanna Shaikh, “What is international
development? development really?” [LC]
**Sen, Development as freedom, Ch1.
**Todaro & Smith, “Introducing Economic Development: A
Global Perspective”. [EC]

No class 9/3: Labor Day

9/5: Discuss “Battle for Haiti”
W3 9/10-9/14 Measuring **Sen, Development as freedom, Ch2.
development **Passe-Smith, “Characteristics of the Income Gap
Between Countries” in Development & Underdevelopment.
**Banerjee and Duflo, “The economic lives of the poor” in
Development & Underdevelopment.

9/14: Prepare for Case Studies

W4 9/17-9/21 Historical **Sen, Development as freedom, Ch3.
Origins **Diamond, “Why did human history unfold differently on
different continents?” in Development &
Underdevelopment. Ch8.
**Acemoglu et al, “The Colonial Origins of Comparative
Development” in Development & Underdevelopment.
Ch10.

9/21: Case Study: Pakistan and Bangladesh

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Week Sessions Topic Readings and In-class Activities
W5 9/24-9/28 Historical **Sen, Development as freedom, Ch4.
Origins **Clark & Paul, “The Conflict Trap” in The Bottom Million.
[EC]
**Clark & Paul, “The Natural Resource Trap” in The Bottom
Million. [EC]
**Review Part I

9/28: Part I take-home exam distributed

Part II Contending Perspectives
W6 10/1-10/5 Economic **Kuznets, “Economic Growth and Income Inequality” in
Theories Development & Underdevelopment. Ch12.
**Rostow, “Five Stages of Growth” in Development &
Underdevelopment. Ch17.
**Frank, “The Development of Underdevelopment” in
Development & Underdevelopment. Ch23.

10/1: Part I take-home exam due (via Turnitin)

10/5: Case Study: South Korea and Argentina
W7 10/8- Institutions **Sen, Development as freedom, Ch5
10/12 **Rodrik et al, “Institutions Rule: The Primacy of Institutions
over geography and Integration in Economic Development”
in Development & Underdevelopment. Ch9.
**Olson, “Big Bills Left on the Sidewalk: Why Some Nations
are Rich and Others Poor” in Development &
Underdevelopment. Ch26.

10/8: In-class video: Commanding Heights EP2

10/12: Case Study: Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire
W8 10/15- Role of **Sen, Development as freedom, Ch6.
10/19 Government **Przeworski and Limongi, “Political Regimes and
Economic Growth” in Development & Underdevelopment.
Ch28.
**Easterly, “Governments can Kill Growth” in The Elusive
Quest for Growth. [EC]

10/19: Case Study: China

W9 10/22- Non-state **Ngaire Woods, “Whose Institutions” in The Globalizers:
10/26 Actors The IMF, World Bank, and Their Borrowers. [EC]

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Week Sessions Topic Readings and In-class Activities
**Toff and Bhagwati, “Non-governmental Organizations” in
In Defense of Globalization. [EC]
**Strange, “State, Firms and Diplomacy”. International
Affairs. [EC]

10/26: Case Study: BRAC and the Grameen Bank

W10 10/29- Cultural **Sen, Culture and Human Rights, Ch6.
11/2 perspectives **McClelland, “The Achievement Motive in Economic
Growth” in Development & Underdevelopment. Ch20.
**Granato et al, “The effect of Cultural Values on Economic
Development: Theory, Hypotheses, and Some Empirical
tests” in Development & Underdevelopment. Ch22.
**Review Part II

10/31: Part II Take-home exam distributed

Part III Issues and Solutions
W11 11/5-11/9 Trade and **Stiglitz, “The Story So Far” in Fair Trade for All. [LC]
Development **Stiglitz, “Trade can be Good for Development” in Fair
Trade for All. [LC]

11/5: Part II Take-home exam due (via Turnitin)

11/9: Case Study: Taiwan
W12 11/14- Food, **Sen, Famines and Other Crises, Ch 7
11/16 Population and **Sen, Population, Food and Freedom, Ch9
Environment
**Roosa and Hanka, “Environment and Sustainable
Development” in Sustainable Development Handbook.
[EC]

No class 11/12: Veteran’s Day

11/14: Case Study: India and Botswana
11/16: Case Study: Haiti and Dominican Republic
W13 11/19- Foreign Aid **Woods, “The Globalizing Mission” in The Globalizers.
11/21 [LC]
**Woods, “The Power to Persuade” in The Globalizers: The
IMF, World Bank, and Their Borrowers. [LC]
**Birdsall, “Seven Deadly Sins: Reflections on Donor
Failings” in Reinventing Aid. [LC]

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Week Sessions Topic Readings and In-class Activities
11/21: In-class video and discussion: Troubled Water
No class 11/23: Happy Thanksgiving!
W14 11/26- Gender **Sen, Women’s Agency and Social Change, Ch8.
11/30 **Staudt, “Gendering development” in Politics Gender and
Concepts: Theory and Methodology. [EC]

11/28: Development Project Prep

11/30: Development Project Prep
Part IV Wrapping Up
W15 12/3-12/7 Rethinking **Sen, Social Choice and Individual Behavior, Ch11.
Development **Sen, Individual Freedom as a Social Commitment, Ch12.
**Review course materials.

12/3: Final Development Report Guidelines Distributed

12/5: Development Project Presentation
12/7: Development Project Presentation
W16 12/10- Final Exam Final Development Report due
12/15 Deadline: 12/12/2018, Wed, 3:45pm (via Turnitin)

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