Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers an undergraduate degree programme in Development Studies.

Rationale:

Development intervention by its nature is both planned and unplanned, and commonly has both manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) effects. Development challenges have tended to overwhelm even well-intentioned public policies thus knowledge becomes paramount in realizing equitable and inclusive development for all. Therefore, shaping and/or influencing development policy and practice that can effectively deal with dynamic and complex human problems require a multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary field of study. Development Studies thus provides that platform that enables learners to understand, explain and solve complex multifaceted socio-economic and political problems that confront human beings in their quest to improve their welfare and living standards in the real world.

Aims of the Programme

Development Studies is designed to equip students with knowledge and tools of analysis for critical thinking on complex and multidimensional issues and problems affecting contemporary human society. The programme aims to enhance students’ capacity and awareness of their environment to act with others to influence development policy and practice for the betterment of human society.

Programme Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, students shall:

i. Understand development both as a concept and practice within the context of socio-economic forces of their environment;

ii. Acquire tools of analysis necessary for the understanding of socio-economic and political relationships;

iii. Acquire understanding of different socio-economic formations and how societies change from one formation to another;

iv. Understand both the prospects for and constraints upon development;

v. Critically examine and evaluate different experiences so that they can take a realist approach to solving development problems.