UT-107 Power, Resistance and Development (Autumn 2021)

• recognise different theoretical perspectives on power and resistance and use these perspectives in critical analysis of development
• identify actors, discourses, and practices in the development field and examine how they are shaped by power at different scales
• explain how subaltern actors exercise resistance in different ways and at different scales
• apply theories of power and resistance when discussing a particular development project
• analyse power dynamics in different types of development cooperation
• recognise and identify how different power relations and forms of resistance within development cooperation can give rise to conflicts
• explain and analyse different development strategies and development practices in a larger historical, economic, political, social and cultural perspective

The course explores how actors, practices, and discourses within the development field are shaped by power and resistance at global, national and local scales. Histories of development aid, as well as the role played by non-governmental organisations in development cooperation, are central topics in the course. Key development discourses and development practices are analysed in light of critical theories of power and resistance. The course also discusses the ways in which popular protests and social movements can give rise to alternative development paradigms.

Theories of power and resistance are important analytical tools in the course. A detailed introduction to theories of and perspectives on power and resistance will, therefore, be provided at the start of the course. These theories and perspectives will be discussed in terms of how they can advance critical understandings of development and development cooperation.