Accessing module/course spaces in Moodle
To access the Moodle space for International Development Studies modules, first log in to Moodle or via the quick link on the University home page, using your Maynooth University username and password.
Moodle has been set up to display automatically the modules for which you are registered as a student under the heading My Courses on the Moodle homepage (this should be on the left hand side - scroll down if necessary).
If the International Development Studies modules do not appear under the heading My Courses, you can still access your courses in Moodle by self-enrolling to them. However, please note, if your courses do not appear in your Moodle, this normally is an indication that there is something wrong with your registration and you should also check your status with the Student Records office.
| Moodle Page |
Enrollment Key |
| KD151 International Development: Theory and Practice |
KD151 |
| KD153 Critical Thinking on Development: |
KD153 |
| KD152 Political Economy of International Development |
KD152 |
| KD154 Understanding Development |
KD154 |
You will then be asked to enter the module enrollment key. This is an internal password in Moodle, but you will only need to use it once to access the module space. On your next login, the module will be displayed under your new list of My Courses. The enrolment keys for the International Development Studies courses are given in the table above.
Once you have entered the enrolment key, you will be brought to the course/module homepage, where you can access course material, notes and links. If you have never used Moodle before, you will be asked to agree to the Site Policy Agreement first, but this will not be repeated on any future visit to Moodle.
Getting Help: If you have any problems with Moodle, you can find further help on the main Moodle homepage, under Main Menu. You can also contact moodlesupport@mu.ie for help. If you are working in the Public Access Cluster Rooms, a Computer Assistant may be able to help you log in to Moodle and find your course. For any questions relating to a particular module, please check with your tutor or email intldevstudies@mu.ie.
For details on how modules will be examined, please log onto the relevant Moodle page of the module.
Dates for exams (Semester 1 and Semester 2 modules) will be released by the Exams Office
SEMESTER 1
KD151 International Development: Theory and Practice
This course introduces students to contemporary thinking on development and development practice
Module Content:
The concept of 'development' will be explored along with understandings of 'developed' and 'developing' countries in the light of measurements of development
Development theories such as modernisation, dependency, World Systems Analysis, 'people-centred development' and 'post-development' will be explored with reference to their relevance to understanding contemporary development realities.
Processes of globalisation will be examined in relation to their effects on social, cultural, economic and political development. In terms of development practices, students will be introduced to the role of the State and NGOs in development as well as to social movements and civil society organisations
Key issues such as gender and development and sustainable development will also be examined
KD153 Critical Thinking on Development:
The overall aim of the course is to enable students to develop their ability to critically reflect upon development practice and in particular the ethical dimensions of this field. It will do this through exploring both classical and contemporary theories and relating these to current case examples and also students’ own experiences of moral dilemmas.. The module will pursue an interactive and participatory approach throughout.
Module Content:
The concept of critical thinking and how this is applicable to development
Introduction to ethics and development ethics
Moral reasoning and theories of morality
Development and development aid as a form of redistribution – history, models and critiques of development
Inequality and Development
SEMESTER 2
KD152 Political Economy of International Development
The module aims to provide students with an introduction to some debates around the key economic and political explanations for the differences in prosperity that exist between and within countries of the world today, and the resulting outcomes and related development challenges. It will focus on contemporary descriptions of major development issues such as development as a concept and attempts to set related targets and measures of progress. It will provide an overview of the historical progress that has been made globally, across a whole range of socio-economic and political indicators, something that is often forgotten about in today's media and other social commentary, as well as the debates on what drives economic growth and development. The module will then examine particular development challenges, such as attempts to address poverty and inequality, the role of development aid and government taxation in this process, future challenges in terms of population and climate change, and the roles and effectiveness of various supranational bodies in global governance.
KD154 Understanding Development This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the nature, role and relationship between states, civil society, transnational stakeholders and the private sector in development practice.
Insight into the function of different state institutions and understanding of their roles
An understanding of the influence of political ideology on humanitarian and development action.
An awareness of the role and function of civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations in development practice
Knowledge of the impact of globalisation on historical and contemporary development practices
The capacity to critically reflect on and analyse the concepts of the developmental state, civil society organisations and transnational actors in development practice.
