IDM086-Communication and Innovation in Development

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IDM066 Communication and Innovation in Development
Current from: 2019/0

Email: s.p.cardey@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module explores current ideas about the role of communication in technological and behaviour change in the context of social and economic development.

Aims:
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of, and ability to analyse, how social and technological change in development contexts is influenced by communication processes.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:
- describe different theoretical approaches to the links between communication and development
- use appropriate theories of communication, learning and behaviour change to design and assess methods for supporting innovation in livelihoods
- identify different traditions in the theory and practice of using communication for social and behavioural change and apply these to an analysis of specific cases in the fields of health and social development
- summarise current debates on privatisation, decentralisation, contracting out and cost recovery for advisory services in the social and natural resources sectors
- describe current trends in communication infrastructure and access and critically assess the potential implications for social and economic development
- Engage in debates about the changing role of communication within development processes, including ongoing the implications of the changing nature of information and communication technologies
- Describe development communication initiatives in practice, including an understanding of the practice of development communication at UK and more global levels.

Additional outcomes:
Participants will have enhanced their skills in accessing relevant information and resources on the Internet and the academic literature, and in participating in online discussions.

Outline content:
- Theories of communication, development and behaviour change
- Competing conceptual frameworks for explaining and promoting rural innovation
- The role of information, knowledge and communication in social, technical and economic change
- The changing landscape of communication infrastructure and access in developed and developing countries
- Communication for social and behavioural change: competing theories and their implications for communication policy and practice
- Issues in health communication
- Institutional arrangements for finance and delivery of advisory services in health and natural resources sectors
- Gender and equity issues in communication and innovation
- The role of the media in development processes
- The changing technological landscape of communication in development, and the implications for service delivery in livelihoods, social and economic development interventions
- Monitoring and evaluation of communication interventions
- Entertainment education
- Communicating about climate and environmental change
- Designing social change and behaviour change communication interventions
- Communication strategy planning
- Professional mentoring in communication for development

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, group and individual projects, selected readings, case studies, seminars and practicals. Students will be expected to consult materials on the Internet (World Wide Web) and relevant academic journals: references to key websites and journal papers will be given. The module is supported by a "Blackboard" course in which all module participants will be enrolled and will be expected to participate. Discussion and feedback will take place through Blackboard and e-mail as well as during class sessions.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
An essay of 4000 words on a topic supplied by the module convenor.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019