Power and Voice in Governance Discourses

The primary goal of this course is to empower undergraduate students to understand the dynamics of power and voice in governance discourse. By the end, students will be able to articulate the relationship between power and voice, explain the lack of accountability in many developing countries, and assess the effectiveness of donor interventions in specific contexts. They will learn methods states can use to amplify citizen power and voice, and evaluate how donor principles can enhance state responsiveness and accountability. This course is vital for developing informed leaders who can advocate for meaningful change.

Basic Principles in Governance 2025/2026

Course Overview:

The main objective of this course is to train undergraduate students about the Basic Principles in Governance. Students who complete this course will be able to acquire knowledge on the Basic Principles in Governance, with reflection on the strengths and shortcomings of good governance practices in their own countries and on how to apply ways of enhancing governance in developing countries. This course will also prepare students to be practically oriented in working for Governance and sustainable development.

Communication Skills 2025/2026

Dear Students,

I’m delighted to welcome you to this course and even more excited to join you on this learning journey. Communication is at the heart of every relationship, profession, and opportunity, and together we’ll explore how to express ideas clearly, listen thoughtfully, and grow into confident communicators.

Throughout this course, we’ll engage in activities, discussions, and practical exercises that will help you discover your voice and use it effectively. I encourage you to participate openly, ask questions, and support one another as we build a positive and inspiring learning space.

I’m truly excited to learn with you and from you.

State-Society Relations in Development 2025/2026

Global Diplomatic Negotiations and Mediations 2025/2026

Principles of Democracy and Development 2025/2026

Gender Perspective in Development 2025/2026

Gender Perspectives in Development is a core course for the Bachelor of Arts in Governance and Development that equips students with theoretical and practical knowledge to analyze development processes through a gender lens. The course explores key gender concepts, including gender roles, gender equality, gender equity, and intersectionality, and examines how gender relations shape governance systems, policy outcomes, and access to resources.

The course critically analyzes the role of formal and informal institutions—including the state, family, market, and civil society—in constructing and reproducing gender inequalities. Emphasis is placed on gender-responsive governance, leadership, planning, budgeting, and accountability mechanisms in development practice. Students are introduced to gender analysis tools and frameworks used in development planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

The course also situates gender and development within global, regional, and national policy frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (with particular focus on SDG 5), human rights conventions, and African development agendas. Through case studies, group work, and applied assignments, students develop competencies to assess intra-household resource distribution, power relations, and economic empowerment initiatives, and to design basic gender training programs and gender-responsive development interventions.