Students will select a particular topic, by researching and preparing an essay proposal, that relates to a specific model, approach, and a theory of participatory development. In terms of strategy for selecting your topic, it is usually wise not to commit to a specific topic until you have found sufficient sources. The process of refining your topic or formulating your thesis argument should be guided by key scholarly sources you have collected. there are several interesting topics in the course that discuss various aspects of participatory approaches, capabilities and empowerment, social capital, gender and race-based inequality, power dynamics, democratic governance, and human rights, etc. These topics are discussed in the context of empirical development issues such as technology development for small scale farming, fisheries, forest management, Indigenous knowledge and rights, food security and human health, environmental and ethnic conflicts, etc. 

Following details should be included in your essay proposal (assignment).

Topic: Should be clear, concise, relevant, and interesting.

Brief explanation of theoretical and/or empirical context of your topic (one paragraph).

Describe major issues or themes to be covered (2-3 paragraphs). Include a brief description of your draft thesis statement or key arguments.

Geographical focus (if any).