Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

Students taking this module require a sound background in Economic Geography.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•       To examine critically existing understandings and models of local and regional development
•       To provide an advanced knowledge and understanding of local and regional development theory and policy.
•       To develop an advanced understanding of the instruments and policies of local and regional development.
•       To examine local and regional development in practice in an international context.

Outline Of Syllabus

Part I – Introduction outlines the changing context of local and regional development and poses
fundamental questions about its purpose and nature.

Part II – Frameworks of understanding – Concepts and theories of local and regional
development provides a range of conceptual and theoretical frameworks for understanding and
interpreting local and regional development.

Part III – Rationales, Strategies, policies and instruments- discusses the strategies and policies of attempts
to generate and shape local and regional development processes.

Part IV – Local and regional development in practice addresses ‘on the ground’
experiences in different contexts internationally in the global North and South.

Part V – Conclusions summarises and concludes the main contributions and issues
raised in the module as well as outlining future concerns for local and regional development.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

•An advanced knowledge and understanding of models of local and regional development.
•An advanced knowledge and understanding of local and regional development theory and policy.
•An advanced understanding of the instruments and policies of local and regional development.
•Detailed understanding of local and regional development practice in an international context.

Intended Skill Outcomes

•       An ability critically to engage with current issues and debates about concepts and theories of local and regional development.
•       The ability critically to engage with local and regional development theory and policy.
•       The ability critically to assess the value, applicability and transferability of local and regional development practice in an international context.
•       The ability to solve problems.
•       The ability to synthesise and present local and regional development data and to interpret and analyse its significance.
•       The ability critically to select and access relevant and appropriate information and data resources within the Robinson library and on-line.
•       Practical experience of local and regional development theory, policy and practice through the analysis of case studies.
•       The ability to communicate by means of well prepared, clear, concise and well written documents.
•       The ability to utilise library, information and IT resources skilfully and appropriately
•       The ability to plan, organise and prioritise work activities and manage time effectively.
•       The ability to work independently with initiative and solve problems.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures introduce, develop and illustrate the core conceptual, theoretical, empirical and policy content of the module.

The workshop focuses upon debate and analysis of contemporary material, drawing upon specialist film, TV, podcast, Youtube and blog sources.

Seminars provide an opportunity for more interactive, student-led discussion, analysis and debate.

The drop in/surgery provides an opportunity for discussion and problem solving in addressing course material.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessed Essays I and II tests the students’ ability to explore subjects in-depth, demanding critical reading and writing skills and an ability to gather and synthesise material and to formulate a rigorous argument. Group presentation tests ability to engage and contribute seminar project, work collectively in a group and present their project to their peers in their seminar sessions.

General Notes

N/A