The module will provide an introduction to the theories of development and aid, to enable students to develop a better understanding of why some countries remain in poverty, whilst others are rich. Macro-contextual issues will be explored, including the role of international institutions, and their influence on development agendas, and the role of trade. National political systems will be analysed to explore the relationships between political systems and approaches to poverty reduction, and at the role of macro-economic policies in reducing poverty. Finally, analytical tools will be introduced to enable students to analyse policy frameworks for poverty reduction (for example the Highly-Indebted Poor Countries Iniative (HIPC) and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP's)).