WISO300584 Core seminar rural development

Type
Seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Espinosa, Sarah
Organisation
Development Research
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

Let's Debate! Controversies in Regional Development

Regional development is a complex and often contested field: How do we actually understand "region" – as geographically given, socially constructed, or as a network relationship? And what does "development" mean – economic growth, sustainable transformation, or state governance? This seminar introduces students to key theoretical perspectives on regions and development, connecting them to current, controversial questions of regional development in the context of globalisation, the climate crisis, and social inequalities. Drawing on these contested issues, students develop theoretically grounded positions in groups. Each group works on a self-chosen topic, divides into two subgroups, and prepares arguments from different theoretical perspectives. In the final debates, these subgroups compete against each other.
Previous knowledge expected

basic techniques of scientific working, regional development/management
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

The seminar conveys the theoretical foundations for analysing regions and regional development, and fosters the ability to apply theoretical perspectives to concrete areas of conflict. Through debate, students develop both analytical and communicative competences, and learn to critically compare and defend theoretical positions.
Upon completion of the seminar, students are able to:
- Explain and compare key theoretical approaches to the analysis of regions and regional development;
- Contextualise current controversies in regional development using a theoretically grounded framework;
- Develop and discuss theoretical arguments in a structured manner;
- Sharpen debate questions and develop convincing lines of argumentation;
- Collaborate constructively in groups by providing peer feedback, leading discussion rounds, giving feedback on debate preparation, coordinating tasks, and reflecting on shared goals;
- Give and receive feedback in order to reflect on and further develop their own positions.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.