Peqod :: Classes - Columbia University Catalog of Classes

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the process of political development. It introduces a set of analytic tools based on the strategic perspective of political science and political economy to evaluate the current debates in political development and to draw policy-relevant conclusions. Throughout the course, we will discuss the political dimensions and the challenges of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development along with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their transformations - (1) education, gender and inequality; (2) health, well-being and demography; (3) energy decarbonization and sustainable industry; (4) sustainable food, land, water and oceans; (5) sustainable cities and communities; and (6) the digital revolution for sustainable development - as modular building blocks.

First, we will explore the politics of economic development: the role of leadership, political systems, and institutions in promoting growth. We study the mechanisms that underlie the persistence of poverty. Utilizing numerous country case studies, we will answer: What is political development? What explains why some countries have prospered while others remain poor, violent, or unequal? Why do we observe growth, stability, and freedoms in some and not in others?

Second, we will explore the causes and consequences of the state, political institutions, and democracy. What is at the root of state capacity, political participation, and other aspects of political development? What is the role of property rights and the rule of law in development? How do we promote gender equality and empowerment? How do we detect and mitigate the effects of corruption? How do we foster political stability?

In the third part of the course, we will focus on policies that foster stability and development. We will critically examine the effects of Western intervention in the developing world, historical legacies of slavery and colonialism, and the various tools of foreign policy: aid, democracy promotion, and military interventions. We will further explore the extent to which outside interventions alleviated poverty and whether they improved public goods provision or promoted political stability. Finally, the course will consider the role of emerging powers in the context of global governance and their influence on the future course of development in the Global South.

Department: Development and Governance
R 10 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
Instructor: Gizem Acikgoz
Info
3 points

Details

DVGO IA7000

Sustainable Development Policy and Pract

Department: MPA-DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE
TR 8 a.m.-9:50 a.m.
3 points

Details

DVPR IA7000

Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice

INTRO TO EVIDENCE-BASED P

Department: Nursing
T 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Instructor: Lisa Iannacci-Manasia
Info
3 points

Details

NURS N7000

Global Media: Innovation & Policy Lab

Global Media-Innovation &

This course looks at media around the world, the difficulties that journalists face, Big Tech’s corruption of the global public information ecosystem, and the effect this has had on people, society, and democracies. We will look at history and theory in order to understand the role the media plays, how it can be supported, and what has happened to society since the gatekeeping role of the media was upended by the rise of Big Tech. The usurping of advertising revenue by Big Tech and the micro targeting of audiences will be understood through our discussion of business models/media innovation/media sustainability, and policy solutions. We will discuss the need for new business models, look at the experiences of Rappler, and familiarize ourselves with the world of non-profit, philanthropic journalism. We will also consider the role of investigative reporting, the problems of online mis/ disinformation, and how Generative AI may upend journalism. Given that we are in an election year, these questions are pressing. This class will be timely and urgent.

Guest lectures will be given after class, some weeks (from 1-2 pm) by people at the cutting edge of media innovation and investigative journalism in both profit and non-profit organizations. Some of your work will be read by organizations working on media policy. We have a track record of helping them with our research.

The financial crisis faced by the media has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemicq, but this means the search for solutions has become more intense and the field is awash with big ideas and creative thinking. It’s an exciting time to think about why journalism matters and what policies will help preserve it. We’re in transition and where it will go we don’t know where it’s going.

Students who take this course will become familiar with:

Some of the major theories of journalism studies and the evolving public information ecosystem

The big ideas and policies that could help save quality journalism.

The worlds of media development and philanthropy.

Different business models and the sustainability of media outlets.

Ways to measure journalism impact, including reach, influence, and concrete change

Technology and its transformational effects, including how journalism can survive

Research skills and critical/analytical thinking.

Department: Tech Policy and Innovation
W 10 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
3 points

Details

TPIN IA7000