International Organizations and Development (I)
- Social Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 106 pages
- 4 units
This course introduces students to international organizations and development. It explores theoretical perspectives and conceptual debates surrounding international organizations' operations. The course examines the functions of key organizations like the WTO, IMF, World Bank, and United Nations. Students will develop an understanding of forces shaping international organizations and their implications for policy-making. It also covers theoretical approaches, including public policy theory, new institutionalism, and international governance approaches affecting third-world development.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of DES415, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
DES415 · Module 1: INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: MEANING, THEORIES, AND RELEVANCE
UNIT-2, explored in detail the role of international organizations. Some of their roles are helping to set the international agenda, mediating political bargaining, providing a place for political initiatives, and acting as catalysts for coalition- formation. They facilitate cooperation and coordination among member nations, amongst others.
What you should be able to do
- Understand key debates in international organizations and development.
- Comprehend complex analytical arguments in global discourses.
- Relate debates and arguments to development theory, policy, and practice.
- Evaluate the impact of development interventions on international organizations' operations.
- Apply practical skills in international organizations and development analysis.
What it prepares you for
- International Development Officer
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Manager
- Diplomat
- Research Consultant
- International Development
- Government
- Non-profit
- Research
- Consulting
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE 1 –International Organizations in Development: Meaning, Theories and Relevance
Unit 4: Theories of IOs and Global Governance (Realism, Neoliberal Institutionalism, Classic Liberal Institutionalism, Critical Theory).
Theories of IOs require understanding different perspectives and their assumptions.
- MODULE 3– Globalization, Third World Development and International Organizations
Unit 2 –Globalization: Analysis from Development and Political Economy Perspectives
Analyzing globalization from different perspectives and understanding its impact on third-world countries requires critical thinking and synthesis of complex information.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE 1 –International Organizations in Development: Meaning, Theories and Relevance
Unit 1: Defining International Organizations · 2 hours
Read the definition of International Organizations.. Understand the basic characteristics of an International Organization.. Review the criteria for categorizing International Organizations..
Unit 2: Types and forms of IOs. · 2 hours
Study the types and forms of IOs.. Understand the purpose of International organizations.. Appreciate the different types of International Organizations..
- Week 2MODULE 1 –International Organizations in Development: Meaning, Theories and Relevance
Unit 3: History and emergence of Global Governance. · 2 hours
Examine the history and emergence of Global Governance.. Describe and define Global Governance.. Explore the different types and forms of Global Governance..
- Week 3MODULE 1 –International Organizations in Development: Meaning, Theories and Relevance
Unit 4: Theories of IOs and Global Governance (Realism, Neoliberal Institutionalism, Classic Liberal Institutionalism, Critical Theory). · 2 hours
Study the Realism, Neoliberal Institutionalism, Classic Liberal Institutionalism, and Critical Theory.. Understand the assumptions of each theory.. Analyze the focus of IOs theories concerning their settings and purpose..
- Week 4MODULE 2: Global Finance and World Economic Development
Unit 1 The World Bank · 2 hours
Study the background and evolution of the World Bank.. Describe the ownership and institutions that make up the World Bank.. Understand the objectives and functions of the World Bank..
- Week 5MODULE 2: Global Finance and World Economic Development
Unit 2 – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) · 2 hours
Study the history and evolution of the International Monetary Fund.. Understand the purpose and functions of the International Monetary Fund.. Examine the lending criteria of the International Monetary Fund..
- Week 6MODULE 2: Global Finance and World Economic Development
Unit 3 – World Trade Organization (WTO) · 2 hours
Study the history and evolution of the World Trade Organization.. Understand the purpose and functions of the World Trade Organization.. Examine the principles of the International Trading System..
- Week 7MODULE 2: Global Finance and World Economic Development
Unit 4 – African Development Bank (ADB) · 2 hours
Study the history and evolution of the African Development Bank.. Understand the purpose and functions of the African Development Bank.. Examine the membership of the African Development Bank..
- Week 8MODULE 3– Globalization, Third World Development and International Organizations
Unit1 – Meaning of Globalization in Development · 2 hours
Study the meaning and definitions of globalization.. Understand the forces of globalization.. Examine the emergence of globalization in development..
- Week 9MODULE 3– Globalization, Third World Development and International Organizations
Unit 2 –Globalization: Analysis from Development and Political Economy Perspectives · 2 hours
Analyze globalization from development and political economy perspectives.. Understand the contexts of globalization theories.. Examine globalization explained from development theories..
- Week 10MODULE 3– Globalization, Third World Development and International Organizations
Unit 3 – The Effects of Globalization on Third World Countries' Development · 2 hours
Study the effects of globalization on third-world countries' development.. Understand the economic and trade processes in the third world.. Examine the impact of globalization on technology and cultural changes in the third world..
- Week 11MODULE 4: International Organizations as non-State actors – The Civil Society in International System
Unit 1 – Mary Kaldor's Four Versions of Civil Society Emergence as Non-State Actors in Development · 2 hours
Study Mary Kaldor's four versions of civil society emergence.. Understand the concept of civil society.. Examine the classical, activist, neoliberal, and post-modernist versions..
- Week 12MODULE 4: International Organizations as non-State actors – The Civil Society in International System
Unit 2 - Civil Society as Third Sector of Society in Development · 2 hours
Clarify the space for civil society operation as a third sector.. Understand the two types of NGOs operating in the civil society as a development sector.. Examine the characteristics of Secular NGOs and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)..
- Week 13MODULE 4: International Organizations as non-State actors – The Civil Society in International System
Unit 3 - Functions of Civil Society Organizations (NGOs) in Development · 2 hours
Study the functions of Civil Society Organizations (NGOs) in International Development.. Understand the role of civil society in development discourse.. Examine the functions of civil society organizations in the development sector..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking the different theories of international organizations (Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism) to specific global events.
- Practice applying different theoretical frameworks to analyze case studies of international interventions (e.g., peacekeeping missions, trade agreements).
- Focus on understanding the roles and functions of key international organizations (UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank) and their impact on developing countries.
- Review the different perspectives on globalization and its effects on third-world development, paying attention to both positive and negative consequences.
- Prepare summaries of key concepts and debates related to civil society and its role in international development, including the different versions of civil society emergence.
Questions students ask about this course
What is DES415 about?
This course introduces students to international organizations and development. It explores theoretical perspectives and conceptual debates surrounding international organizations' operations. The course examines the functions of key organizations like the WTO, IMF, World Bank, and United Nations. Students will develop an understanding of forces shaping international organizations and their implications for policy-making. It also covers theoretical approaches, including public policy theory, new institutionalism, and international governance approaches affecting third-world development.
How many units does DES415 have?
DES415, International Organizations and Development (I), has 4 units across 4 modules, over 106 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is DES415?
DES415 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.
Is DES415 hard?
DES415 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does DES415 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 4 units.
How is DES415 assessed?
DES415 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with DES415?
International Development Officer, Policy Analyst, NGO Manager, Diplomat and Research Consultant.