UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development 110
Development Perspectives
History and Theories of Community Development
First Semester, Academic Year 2015-2016
Saturday
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Instructor:
E-mail Address:
Mobile Number:
Consultation Hours:

Karl Arvin F. Hapal

karlarvinhapal@gmail.com
+63917-585-9927
Thursday and Friday, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Description
According to the 16th Century philosopher Rene Descartes, I think, therefore I am. The insatiable quest for
knowledge and unwavering pursuit to explain nature and existence has been the defining feature of humans as a
species. In this quest, theory is central as humans attempted, throughout history, to explain the world in a systematic
fashion. Ancient Greek philosophers have wondered about the purpose of human existence and proposed schemas in
organizing societies. Their 16th Century counterparts during the renaissance continued this endeavour as they used
reason and logic to explain social phenomena and anticipate the future. At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution and
the ascendance of the natural science, philosophers imputed the principles of the scientific method to explain
changes in society and its constituent relationships within. This became the precursor for the rise of social sciences
such as economics, political science, psychology and sociology.
Since then, the social sciences have gained prominence in the realm of politics and order making. Contemporary
social science, in the light of an increasingly globalized world, has used its influence to shape global politics,
economics and culture; as well, as the development agenda. From the time of the Ancient Greeks to the
contemporary times, social science and philosophy had a huge stake in the change agenda (or the lack thereof); its
implications to policy and had huge implications to peoples lives. Similarly, social theory has also inspired
countless individuals, groups and communities to push the limits of social science through research or mobilize to
affect change.
This course is a series of seminars about the dominant social theories in the field of development. The course shall
have classical modern theories on development as its departure point for discussion. It shall then proceed in
discussing contemporary perspectives and debates. Throughout the course, the seminars shall locate the historical
foundations of the theories, its major arguments and explore its analytical limitations. Finally, in-seminar
discussions shall likewise explore its implications to development, especially to communities.
Objectives
By the end of the course, the students shall be expected to able to:
1.

Explain the major arguments of the development theories discussed;

2.

Locate the historical foundations of the theory;

3.

Critically engage the development theory by articulating its critique and its analytical limitations; and,

4.

Explain its implications to notions of development and communities

Methodology
The course shall feature lecture, group reporting and class discussion as its main methodology for teaching. Lectures
shall be provided by the instructor in order to provide the relevant foundational knowledge for the development
theories. Students shall be asked to form groups and report on their assigned topics to launch the discussion and flag
analytical points and critique. Preceding lectures and group presentations are class-based discussions which shall
provide students with an avenue to share their thoughts and debate on ideas.
Requirements
1.

Two Engagement Exercises (30%) Students shall be asked to form in groups with three members. Each
group shall be assigned with two engagement exercises. At the start of the class, the group assigned shall
be asked to launch the discussion through an engagement of the readings provided by the instructor.
Students may also use supplemental books or articles for their respective reports. The reports of the student
must include a discussion of the: (1) historical context of the theory; (2) its main arguments; (3) analytical
value or significance; (4) its theoretical limitations; and, (5) questions they would like to pose for the class.
Students shall be given 30 minutes to launch the discussion. The report shall be followed by a brief lecture
from the instructor. Then, the class shall discuss the questions posed by the reporting group.

2.

Unannounced Quizzes (10%) Throughout the semester, unannounced quizzes shall be given in order to
gauge the level of understanding of students on a particular topic. This shall also form the basis for
checking the attendance of students.

3.

Middle of Semester Exam (30%) Both the middle and end of semester exam shall be take home
examinations. Questions for the middle and end of semester exam shall be given on 26 September 2015 and
28 November 2015. Students are required their examinations on the following Saturday thru the instructors
email (karlarvinhapal@gmail.com).

4.

End of Semester Exam (30%) see description of Middle of Semester Exam

Remarks
1.

Attendance shall be checked on the basis of class requirements. Failure to attend or being tardy during a
quiz shall result in failing marks unless the student has a valid reason and corresponding supporting
documents (i.e. medical certificate for sickness) as per University Guidelines. Late submission of the
middle and end of semester exams shall incur deductions. Submission of these exams a week after the
deadline shall result in failing marks.

2.

Students may ask for a 20 minute break anytime during class hours. They are also encouraged to bring food
or drinks in order to avoid leaving the classroom unnecessarily.

Outline
DATES
Session 1
23 January 2016

TOPICS and REQUIRED READINGS

Course Introduction and Overview
Tracing the Historical Debates on Development and Linking it to
Community Development
Required Readings:

Session 2
30 January 2016

Rist, G. (2008) The History of Development: From Western Origins to

Global Faith, 3rd Edition. Zed Books. New York. (Chapters 1 and 2)
Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. Theories of Development: Contentions,
Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford Press. London.

ASSIGNMENTS

(Chapter 1).
Classical and Neo-Classical Economic Theory
Session 3
6 February 2016

Required Readings:
Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:
Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford
Press. London. (Chapter 2).
Karl Marx, Marxism, Neo-Marxism and Political Economy
Required Readings:

Session 4
13 February 2016

Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:

Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford
Press. London. (Chapter 5).
Marx, K. & Engels, F. (1848). Manifesto of the Communist Party.
Modernist Theory and the Modern Development Project
Required Readings:

Session 5
20 February 2016

Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:

Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford
Press. London. (Chapter 4).
Rostow, W.W., Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist
Manifesto.
Rist, G. (2009). History of Development: From Western Origins to
Global Faith. 3rd Edition. Zed Books. London. (Chapter 6).
Keynesian Economic Theory and the Role of the State versus the
Markets
Required Readings:
Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:
Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford
Press. London. (Chapter 3).
Keynes, J.M. (1936). The General Theory of Employment Interest and
Money.

Session 6
27 February 2016

Rist, G. (2009). History of Development: From Western Origins to

Global Faith. 3rd Edition. Zed Books. London. (Chapter 4).
Commanding Heights, Episode 1: Battle of Ideas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCYU_HviAh0
Tomlinson, J. (1997). Democratic Socialism and Economic Policy.
Cambridge University Press. New York.
Bacgchi, A.M. (2004). The Developmental State in History and in the
Twentieth Century. Regency Publications. New Delhi.
Special Topic: Neo-Marxism and Media

The Colonial Legacy, Post-Colonial Debates and Dependency

Theory
Required Readings:
Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:
Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford
Press. London. (Chapter 5 Dependency Theory and World Systems
Theory).
Session 7
5 March 2016

Rist, G. (2009). History of Development: From Western Origins to

Global Faith. 3rd Edition. Zed Books. London. (Chapter 3).
Abinales, P. (2002). American Rule and the Formation of Filipino
Colonialsim. South East Asian Studies. Vol. 39. No.24.
Abinales, P. & Amoroso, D. (2005). State and Society in the
Philippines. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. UK.
Chiriyankandath, J. (2008). Colonialism and Post-Colonial
Development in Burnell, (J). (2008) Politics in the Developing World.
Oxford University Press. London.
Interrogating Concepts of Poverty: From Notions of Growth to
Human Development
Required Readings:
United Nations Development Program. (2014). Human Development
Report 2014 Sustaining Human Progress: Reducing Vulnerabilities
and Building Resilience. UNDP. New York

Session 8
12 March 2016

United Nations Development Program. (1990). Human Development

Report 1990. Oxford University Press. New York
World Bank. (2015). World Development Report 2015. World Bank.
New York. (Chapter 4)
Asian Development Bank. (2009). Poverty in the Philippines: Causes,
Constraints and Opportunities. ADB. Mandaluyong City.

Middle of Semester Examination: The exam shall cover Session 2 to

Session 8.
Human Rights and Development
Required Readings:
Session 9
19 March 2016

Ife, J. (2009). Human Rights from Below: Achieving Rights through

Community Development. Cambridge University Press. New York.
Uvin, P. (2004). Human Rights and Development. Kumarian Press.

26 March 2016

Special Topic: Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen

Submission of Middle of Semester Examination
HOLIDAY: Holy Week Break

Neo-liberalism and Globalization: Its Promise and Aftermath

Required Readings:
Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:
Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford
Press. London. (Chapter 3).
Chang, H.J. (2010). 23Things They Dont Tell You About Capitalism.
Penguin Books. London.
Session 10
2 April 2016

Rist, G. (2009). History of Development: From Western Origins to

Global Faith. 3rd Edition. Zed Books. London. (Chapter 4, 5 & 12).
Commanding Heights, Episode 2: Agony of Reform
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9pn3iQU02w
Commanding Heights, Episode 2: New Rules of the Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYf6gn_x-Zk
Special Topic:

9 April 2016

HOLIDAY: Araw ng Kagitingan

Social Movements, Civil Society and Critical Alternatives to
Mainstream Development Theory
Required Readings:
Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:
Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford
Press. London. (Chapter 8).

Session 11
16 April 2016

Tarrow, S. (1994). Power in Movement: Social Movements, Collective

Action and Politics. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press.
Rist, G. (2009). History of Development: From Western Origins to
Global Faith. 3rd Edition. Zed Books. London. (Chapter 9, 14 &
Conclusion).
Alagappa, M. (2004). Civil Society and Politics in Asia: Expanding
and Contracting Democratic Space. California. Stanford University
Press. (Pages 23 to 58)
Post-Modern, Post-Structural and Post-Developmental Thought

Session 12
23 April 2016

Session 13
30 April 2016

Required Readings:
Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:
Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford
Press. London. (Chapter 6).
Gender, Identity, Reproductive Rights and Demographic
Transition
Required Readings:
Hartwick, R. & Peete, E. (2009) Theories of Development:
Contentions, Arguments and Alternatives. 2nd Edition. The Guilford

Press. London. (Chapter 7).

Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble. Routledge. New York
Blakemore, J et. al. (2009). Gender Development. Taylor & Francis
Group. New York.
Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Required Readings:
Session 14
7 May 2016

Peet, R. & Watts. M. (1996). Liberation Ecologies: Environment,

Development and Social Movements. Routledge. New York
Rist, G. (2009). History of Development: From Western Origins to
Global Faith. 3rd Edition. Zed Books. London. (Chapter 10).
Peace, Conflict and Violence
Required Readings:

Session 15
14 May 2016

Human Development Network. (2005). Philippine Human

Development Report 2005: Peace, Security and Human Development
in the Philippines. Human Development Network. Quezon City.
(Source link: http://hdn.org.ph/2005-philippine-human-developmentreport-peace-human-security-and-human-development/#download)
Galtung, J. (1969). Violence, Peace and Peace Research. International
Peace Research Institute. Oslo.

21 May 2016

Course Synthesis: Revisiting Development and its Implications to

Communities
End of Semester Exam The exam shall cover Session 9 to Session
15.
Submission of End of Semester Exam
*** Rigor and Discipline ***