What is development and why does it matter? This course explores this question and by examining the origins of development and its history as an idea, goal and practice, the conceptual and theoretical aspects underpinning development studies as a discipline, debates about development in theory and practice as well as the role of these theories and debates in shaping the contemporary world. Equally important is the interplay between theory and practice and the outcome of this relationship. The aim is to assist students to gain a solid understanding of the realities of development through engaging with development theories and to become familiar with some of the current practices in development that are effective, appropriate and sustainable. Students will learn why development thinking and practices has changed over time, and the extent to which its architects have learnt from past failure and successes of development and what might be better approaches to make a better community.