Available courses

Please use the link moodle.upol.cz (e-learning support of the Palacky University) and search for the course code MRS/WFOR and title Foresight to enter the course.

Please use the link moodle.upol.cz (e-learning support of the Palacky University) and search for the course code MRS/WGDE and title Global Development to enter the course.

Please use the link moodle.upol.cz (e-learning support of the Palacky University) and search for the course code MRS/WGDEG and title Global Environmental Geography to enter the course.

Please use the link moodle.upol.cz (e-learning support of the Palacky University) and search for the course code MRS/WPGP and title Politico-Geogr. Process. in Devel. World to enter the course.

Please use the link moodle.upol.cz (e-learning support of the Palacky University) and search for the course code MRS/WSD and title Sustainable Development to enter the course.

Please use the link moodle.upol.cz (e-learning support of the Palacky University) and search for the course code MRS/WRM and title Research Methods to enter the course.

The aim of the course is to provide students with an overview of geographical, socio-economical, political and environmental issues related to development in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The course analyses specific development opportunities and challenges in these regions.

The course provides an analysis of development issues from an economic perspective, including the role of national and international policies.



The first part of the course critically analyzes various development theories that evolved over time (classical and neoliberal theories, structuralism, neo-Marxism and post-development). In the second part, the course discusses internal political processes in developing countries, such as political regimes, democracy, good governance and failed states.

The course is devided into three blocks. First block introduces student into the concept od sustainable development and presets model of human environment. The second block provides an analysis of the two global environmental challenges – climate change and biodiversity loss. The final part of the block is dedicated to the fundamental questions of human-nature interaction in terms of environmental values. The third block presents socio-environmental challenges of various regions and conservation-development policies and practices.


1.        Concept of sustainable development; Model of the human environment

o    assoc. prof. Pavel Nováček

24 Sept + 1 Oct + 8 Oct

2.       Anthropocene, Climate change, Biodiversity loss

o    dr. Tomáš Daněk

29 Oct + 5 Nov + 12 Nov

3.       Socio-environmental challenges of selected regions, Conservation-development policies and practices

o    dr. Zdeněk Opršal

15 Oct + 22 Oct + 19 Nov + 26 Nov + 3 Dec + 10 Dec


This course provides an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods applicable to development issues. The course focuses on theory, philosophy, and the ethics of science and research in developing countries as well as on practical application of research methods.

The module Quantitative methods is a follow up of the module on Research methods. It consists of courses that will enable students to correctly gather and analyse original or existing data. Combining quantitative methods to economic analysis is a basic skill of junior economists. Courses cover: survey techniques, advanced statistics, econometrics, GIS. Courses will mainly be given in the lab. Tutorials are applications / provide case studies related to stats and econometrics.

The module Economic Theory and Policy consists of three courses. Financing for Development covers public and private funding available for development. Macroeconomics and Growth presents the stylised facts of economic growth. Political Economy and Policy Reform covers political constraints of reforms.

The module Economics of Development II consists of three courses. Development Microeconomics introduces the students to the economic analysis of household decisions in rural areas of developing countries.. Poverty and Development deals with issues related to the definition and measurement of poverty, and highlights poverty changes in the developing world during the last decade. Seminars will cover selected development topics based on case studies.

The module Sustainable Development consists of two courses. Economic Analysis of Sustainable Development aims to give the students a better understanding of the sustainable development concept through the lens of an economist. Seminars will cover case studies such as the role of sovereign funds and global public goods.

The course offers an introduction to the quantitative methods commonly used in policy analysis. It introduces solutions to policy development problems through analytical techniques and practical tools appropriate to professional work. Students also learn how conclusions may be drawn from such analyses. Appropriate software such as GAMS, GITAP and Excel are used.