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865-0064-00L 3 Credits MSC , NDS , WBZ D-GESS

Decolonizing Aid

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Medinat Malefakis

Only for MAS/CAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted. Registration only through the NADEL homepage.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:06

Abstract

The course is designed to increase awareness of how cultural perceptions and power structures have influenced society and our understanding of and practice in aid. It promotes alternatives to aid as linear and progressive Eurocentric narrative. The course draws on different theoretical perspectives and scrutinizes practical examples of aid interventions and similar initiatives.

Objective

The course goes beyond awareness raising of personal cultural characteristics and recognizing cultural values within development concepts. It unfolds traces of colonialism and power structures in day to day live and the aid industry. It promotes searching and initiating alternatives to aid as a Eurocentric narrative. Participants get familiar with different theoretical perspectives on decoloniality and scrutinize practical examples of aid interventions and similar initiatives.

Content

- Decolonialism key terms and concepts - Conceptions of and alternatives to development (cooperation) - Cultural (self-)awareness, diversity - The role of culture in aid / development cooperation - Implications of decolonialism for aid policy making and practice

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , NDS , WBZ
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Decolonizing Aid Course dates: 05.05. – 09.05.2025	No time listed	40 h semesterly

Offered In

Comparative and International Studies Master
- Wahlfächer
MAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development (Die Vorlesungen und Weiterbildungskurse des NADEL sind ausschliesslich für Studierende des MAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development und für Fachkräfte der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit (EZA) mit mindestens 2 Jahren Berufserfahrung in der EZA zugänglich. Doktoranden, die sich mit empirischer Forschung im EZA-Bereich befassen, können "sur Dossier" zugelassen werden.)
- Studienreglement 2021
  - Vertiefungsmodule
CAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development (Findet jedes Frühjahrssemester und jedes zweite Herbstsemester (mit ungerader Jahreszahl) statt.)
- Module