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2025/2026  KAN-CCBDO1004U  Governance and Development

English Title
Governance and Development

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory (also offered as elective)
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board of Global Business and Politics
Course coordinator
  • Lisa Ann Richey - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • International political economy
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
  • Sociology
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 17-03-2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Describe and compare the theories and concepts covered in the course and relevant to the analysis of societal governance and development in the Global South.
  • Use the theories and concepts to analyse the topical issues and empirical examples, patterns and trends covered in the course.
  • Discuss and critically reflect on the strengths and limitations of relevant theories and concepts with a view to explaining characteristics and challenges of societal governance and development in the Global South.
  • Assess the foundation of knowledge about societal governance and development, including relevant research philosophies and methodological perspectives covered in the course.
  • Demonstrate appropriate academic writing skills, including: correct referencing, clear argumentation and correct usage and definition of key concepts.
Course prerequisites
Knowledge of the political economy of globalisation and development is an advantage, but not a pre-condition.
Examination
Governance and Development:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Written sit-in exam on CBS' computers
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn and Winter
Aids Limited aids, see the list below:
The student is allowed to bring
  • In Paper format: Books (including translation dictionaries), compendiums and notes
The student will have access to
  • basic IT application package
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The number of registered candidates for the make-up examination/re-take examination may warrant that it most appropriately be held as an oral examination. The programme office will inform the students if the make-up examination/re-take examination instead is held as an oral examination including a second examiner or external examiner.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The aim of Governance and Development is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of societal governance and development processes in countries and regions of the Global South. This includes a theoretical focus on (1) the main characteristics  and variety of meanings of the concepts of development and governance (2) the actors, structures, institutions, policies and practices that frame the governance of development (3) the interplay between powerful actors such as governments, state agencies including donors, businesses, civil society networks, movements, NGOs and international organizations.


The concept of governance is concerned directly with the management of the development process, involving both the public and the private sectors. Societal governance is a political process that shapes social and economic institutions and populations, with implications for national development, incomes, inequality, human capabilities, sustainability, international relations, war and peace. Governance outcomes are contingent upon the interplay between developing country governments, business and civil society actors at multiple levels of governance, locally, nationally and internationally. 
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Methodology
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
The course is designed to present and discuss theoretical perspectives on governance and development together with analytical and empirical methodologies for assessing and validating these understandings and explanations. The course is conducted by CBS faculty who work and publish in the field of governance and development. The teaching includes active participation of students through student presentations, group discussions and plenum debates, and methodological exercises. The syllabus will comprise theoretical and empirical material, in which the obligatory literature will amount to approx. 900-1000 pages. Student are expected to purchase or borrow from the library the books required for the course. Additional obligatory articles will be available electronically on and through Canvas and CBS Library.
Feedback during the teaching period
The principal way for students to receive feedback on their readings and work for this course is through active participation in discussions and assigned presentations in class and in the small breakout exercises to apply the theories. Students are expected to attend all lectures in person. Students also have the possibility of receiving individual and group feedback during the regular weekly consultation hours of all teaching staff.
Student workload
Lectures 30 hours
Exam 1 hours
Preparation 175 hours
Total 206 hours
Last updated on 17-03-2025