Course Focus
The Master’s programme in Development and Governance combines teaching in several political science sub-disciplines (development studies, international relations, peace and conflict studies, administration and policy studies, comparative politics of European Union, Sub-Saharan Africa or East Asia). The main emphasis is on acquiring knowledge of the relevance of different tiers and forms of governance-processes (local, national, international) both within established democracies and developing societies, and on training students’ analytical skills. The programme is thus providing students with both policy- and region-specific Expertise. The curriculum consists of three modules and the Master’s Thesis (accompanied by a mentoring programme). Module 1 (Development) is dedicated to developmental problems from a governance perspective. It comprises three courses: Global Governance and Development discusses basic theories and concepts of global governance, with a special emphasis on developing regions and their participation in global governance processes. The seminar on Conflict, Democracy and Human Security reflects current debates in peace and conflict studies, based on national, regional and global conflict resolution strategies. There is also an optional course where students can choose or to participate in the United Nations Simulation hosted by the University of Duisburg-Essen for many years or to select a language course or take other optional courses. Within the three courses of Module 2 (Governance) students gain knowledge of governance processes in industrialised and developing countries. An introduction on basic concepts and approaches in comparative Policy Analysis is complemented by a seminar on management and juridical aspects of administrative processes and reforms (Public Administration). The third course is focused on Democracy and Governance outside the OECD highlighting the applicability of democratisation and governance concepts in the developing areas. Module three (Area Studies) complements the first two modules with an in-depth study of region-specific governance structures. Students select two out of the three courses on African Politics, European Politics and Asian Politics. Students shall learn to critically assess the relevance of general theoretical models and problem solving strategies for governance problems in their home countries.
Target Group
Our programme is primarily addressing students from developing countries with an academic background in social science and working experience related to the subjects of Development and Governance.