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865-0001-00L 3 Credits NDS D-GESS
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Socio-cultural Aspects of Development

Lecturers & Examiners: Kimon Schneider, Dr. Medinat Malefakis
Only for MAS in Development and Cooperation.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:12

Abstract

In this course, central development issues are discussed from a historical, sociological, and anthropological perspective. Themes such as decolonization, migration, gender, racism, religion and education are used to shed light on one's own Western ideas and critically reflect on their influence on the design of interventions in development cooperation.

Objective

The students will be able to - consider which social, cultural and psychological factors influence human action, and discuss their importance for development cooperation - explain different conceptions of development in Western and non-Western cultures and indicate possible consequences for development projects - display basic knowledge of selected topics on social and cultural development

Content

Raising awareness on selected cultural and social aspects of development issues and their relevance for development cooperation (DC): - Importance of the concept of "culture" in DC - Colonialism, decolonization and its consequences - Promotion of education systems - Role of religion in development interventions - Migration - challenges and opportunities - Cross-cutting issues in DC: gender and disability - Art and peacebuilding

General Information

Language
English
Levels
NDS
Frequency
Every two years

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Socio-cultural Aspects of Development
Termine n.V. Ort: CLD
No time listed 40 h semesterly

Offered In

  • MAS in Development and Cooperation (The compulsory courses of NADEL are accessible only for students of the MAS in Development and Cooperation and for qualified employees with at least two years experience in development cooperation and a Master's level or equivalent level of education as recognized by ETH. PhD students doing empirical research in development cooperation may be admitted "sur Dossier". The elective courses are open to master students of the ETH with registration/ waiting list. MAS students do have priority.)