POLT 222 - Comparative Foreign Aid Studies

FC SSCI CD

4 credits
Why do taxpayers in countries that have many needs at home send their money abroad to other countries? Why do different countries give at different levels? What is the impact of aid (bilateral, multilateral, tied, project, military, voluntary) on aid recipients and donors? How does competition among China, Russia, the EU, and U.S. influence foreign assistance practices? Answering these questions requires applying select theories of international relations and political economy; these theories and empirical evidence will inform debates/discussions in the course. Students can select one sector (health, education, military, economic development, democratic governance, children, women, youth, employment, etc.) for cross-country study, or choose to broadly research one aid-recipient country and write 1) a briefing paper (overview) and 2) a prescriptive policy memo. A final essay exam, class participation, and Blackboard postings will be required. Course activities will include skill building in researching sources and indexes, writing briefs, memos, and comparative literature reviews.
This course is appropriate for new students.