Decolonisation of International Development [2630]

General Information

• Duration: 30 hours
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's or Licence level (or equivalent); proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course examines the decolonisation of international development, focusing on the enduring colonial structures that continue to shape power relations, knowledge production and development practices. It introduces decolonial theory through the concepts of the coloniality of power, knowledge and being, and analyses the main arguments for decolonising development cooperation. The course distinguishes between deconstructive approaches, which challenge the very notion of development through post-development theory, and reconstructive approaches, which seek to reform existing institutions and practices. Finally, it explores the decolonisation of knowledge production through research methodologies that promote participation, reflexivity, Indigenous knowledge and more equitable approaches to the design, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes.

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• become familiar with the concept of coloniality as the theoretical framework underlying the decolonization of development;
• explore the arguments for the decolonization of development;
• become familiar with the deconstructive and reconstructive approaches to the decolonization of development;
• learn about the use of decolonial research methodology in the knowledge production needed for the design, monitoring and evaluation of development programs;
• describe the epistemic practices and ways in which decoloniality and decolonial thinking can improve the theory and practice of development cooperation; and
• critically examine the ways in which decolonial praxis can be applied and fostered in the organizational development of UN and other international agencies working in the global south.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Analyse the power relations that structure global governance and democratic trajectories (Track B, Master's in Human Rights).

Course Outline

Section 1: The theory behind decolonization of international development: Decolonial theory

Section 2: Why decolonize international development

Section 3: How to decolonize the theory and practice of international development

Section 4: Decolonizing knowledge for the design, monitoring and evaluation of development programs 

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade; and
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises); and
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone holding a Master 1 / Master of Arts 1 (or an equivalent qualification) in law, the humanities, social sciences, theology, or a related field connected to human rights, or with significant personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Walter D. Mignolo, Local Histories/Global Designs: Essays on the Coloniality of Power, Subaltern Knowledges and Border Thinking, Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2000.
• Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples, 3rd ed., London, Bloomsbury Academic, 2022.
• Wolfgang Sachs (ed.), The Development Dictionary: A Guide to Knowledge as Power, London, Zed Books, 1992.
• Majid Rahnema and Victoria Bawtree (eds.), The Post-Development Reader, London, Zed Books, 1997.
• Uma Kothari (ed.), A Radical History of Development Studies: Individuals, Institutions and Ideologies, London, Zed Books, 2005.