AF-HE · Social Sciences
Development Studies
University & tertiary Ages 18–99 48 hours en
Question development models and design community-led alternatives.
Colonial political economy, aid, livelihoods, capabilities, sustainability and locally owned development.
Curriculum family: African Higher Education Common Programmes
Course overview
This Social Sciences course connects core university concepts to African contexts, practical inquiry and community-based application. Learners work through guided readings, a weekly studio and an applied final task.
Learning outcomes
Explain key Social Sciences concepts; analyse evidence and assumptions; apply methods to an African case; communicate findings clearly; reflect on ethics, power and community impact.
Weekly outline
Week 1: Orientation and local context; Week 2: Core concepts; Week 3: Methods and evidence; Week 4: African case study; Week 5: Applied project; Week 6: Assessment and reflection.
Assessment
Weekly activities 30%; participation and peer response 20%; applied final project 50%.
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisite. Learners need curiosity, regular study time and access to weekly course materials.
Course media
Exams and assessment papers
No exam papers are available for download yet. Exam papers and results will appear here when a teacher publishes them.
Weekly lessons
| Week | Lesson | Studio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 - Orientation and local context: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 2 | Week 2 - Key concepts and vocabulary: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 3 | Week 3 - Methods, evidence and practice: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 4 | Week 4 - African case study and application: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 5 | Week 5 - Community project or problem studio: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 6 | Week 6 - Reflection, assessment and next steps: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 7 | Unit 7 - a local case study: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 8 | Unit 8 - comparison across places: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 9 | Unit 9 - voice and representation: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 10 | Unit 10 - ethics and responsibility: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 11 | Unit 11 - systems and relationships: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 12 | Unit 12 - patterns and interpretation: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 13 | Unit 13 - measurement and proportion: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 14 | Unit 14 - change over time: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 15 | Unit 15 - power and access: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 16 | Unit 16 - community strengths: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 17 | Unit 17 - primary sources and lived experience: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 18 | Unit 18 - research questions: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 19 | Unit 19 - organising evidence: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 20 | Unit 20 - mid-course synthesis: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 21 | Unit 21 - language and meaning: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 22 | Unit 22 - identity and community memory: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 23 | Unit 23 - land, environment and place: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 24 | Unit 24 - technology and access: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 25 | Unit 25 - designing a fair process: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 26 | Unit 26 - creative practice: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 27 | Unit 27 - problem definition: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 28 | Unit 28 - hypotheses and explanations: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 29 | Unit 29 - testing and revision: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 30 | Unit 30 - collaboration: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 31 | Unit 31 - communicating to an audience: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 32 | Unit 32 - visuals, numbers and media: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 33 | Unit 33 - resources and sustainability: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 34 | Unit 34 - rights and dignity: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 35 | Unit 35 - regional connections: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 36 | Unit 36 - project proposal: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 37 | Unit 37 - project purpose: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 38 | Unit 38 - project consultation: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 39 | Unit 39 - project preparation: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 40 | Unit 40 - project milestone one: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 41 | Unit 41 - constructive feedback: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 42 | Unit 42 - improving after feedback: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 43 | Unit 43 - quality and standards: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 44 | Unit 44 - risk and safety: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 45 | Unit 45 - leadership and responsibility: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 46 | Unit 46 - African innovation: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 47 | Unit 47 - professional application: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 48 | Unit 48 - project milestone two: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 49 | Unit 49 - accessible knowledge: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 50 | Unit 50 - self-assessment: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 51 | Unit 51 - debate and evidence: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 52 | Unit 52 - policy and collective action: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 53 | Unit 53 - livelihoods and value: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 54 | Unit 54 - health and wellbeing: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 55 | Unit 55 - climate resilience: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 56 | Unit 56 - heritage and future generations: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 57 | Unit 57 - digital literacy: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 58 | Unit 58 - community review: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 59 | Unit 59 - project milestone three: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 60 | Unit 60 - independent inquiry: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 61 | Unit 61 - theory and practice: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 62 | Unit 62 - uncertainty and limitations: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 63 | Unit 63 - future pathways: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 64 | Unit 64 - justice and reciprocity: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 65 | Unit 65 - clear presentation: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 66 | Unit 66 - project rehearsal: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 67 | Unit 67 - final evidence: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 68 | Unit 68 - applied project completion: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 69 | Unit 69 - public storytelling: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 70 | Unit 70 - teacher conference: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 71 | Unit 71 - exam preparation: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 72 | Unit 72 - practice assessment: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 73 | Unit 73 - correcting misconceptions: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 74 | Unit 74 - peer teaching: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 75 | Unit 75 - course synthesis: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 76 | Unit 76 - learning portfolio: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 77 | Unit 77 - community action: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 78 | Unit 78 - learner voice: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 79 | Unit 79 - assessment submission: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 80 | Unit 80 - mentorship and lifelong learning: Development Studies Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Development Studies. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
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