This course provides an introduction to the field of education in international development for people interested in the study of education policy globally. Participants will learn to apply conceptual tools from main development theories (neoliberalism, post-colonialism and capabilities) to current debates in international education, particularly those related to access to education, gender and ethnic inequalities, youth, conflict, citizenship and employment. The course presents major strategies and initiatives (e.g. SDGs) of various international organizations and agencies (e.g., UNESCO, World Bank, OECD, DFID, NGOs) and attempts to highlight, from a critical perspective, the logic of donors, the rationale for external assistance and how different theories of education and development influence educational programmes and practice at international, national and local level.

Weekly

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Assessment 1: Oral presentation about a Sustainable Development Goal (40%)

In one of the course sessions, students will deliver an oral presentation (with supporting documents) about the situation of a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of their choice in a specific world region. Based on a review of recommended sources, students will identify the main developmental challenges faced by this SDG in the region and will reflect on the education policy approaches that could better contribute to its realisation.

Assessment 2: Essay analysing one Education Policy Reform (60%)

After the last session of the course, students will submit an essay of 3,000 words critically analysing one education policy reform of their choice in a specific context from a global development perspective. Drawing on the theories and concepts from the course and their own review of existing evidence, students will critically examine the contribution of the reform to the development of a specific country or region.

■ To create knowledge of and appreciation for the importance of education in international development.

■ To develop a more thorough understanding of the economic, social, and political dimensions of educational development.

■ To familiarize participants with a variety of development theories (neoliberalism, post-colonialism and capabilities) and their implications for education policy globally.

■ To encourage students to critically assess and analyse the successes and failures of different actors in the field of education and international development.

■ To stimulate interest in further study of education policy globally and awareness of the ethical implications of doing work in the development field.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate awareness of key debates in international education, particularly those concerning the involvement of cooperation and aid agencies, global philanthropists and for-profit companies.

■ Critically analyse, from a social justice perspective, the influence of global agendas and programmes on education policy globally.

■ To apply the course content in individual and group assignments on education and international development related topics.