Syllabus

In this course, we will examine the planning process for the provision of water supply and sanitation (W&S) services in developing countries. After a review of the state of water and sanitation services in different parts of the world and a brief introduction to W&S technologies,* we will cover issues of service pricing, alternative institutional structures, including privatization, and the role of consumer demand and community participation in the planning process. We will also examine environmental and public health considerations in water supply and sanitation planning, as well as strategies for serving low-income households. The course will make extensive use of case studies from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. Assignments will include policy memos and a journal of notes on the assigned readings.

Assignments

Two policy memos (5 pages maximum), 8 readings journal entries (~1 page), and one individual research project (12-20 pages generally, although length is not dictated).

Description of Assignments

• Each student will keep a journal of notes/short reflections on the assigned readings for the class. For each set of readings, I will provide a short list of discussion questions to help focus your reading and prepare you for our class session. You can, but need not, also use these questions as the basis of your readings journal entries. Note that this should not be a summary of the readings, but some of your thoughts about their themes and debates. Journal entries should be written for each class session except those in which a policy memo is due. I will be checking in on your journals regularly. Although I will not be able to read and comment on every student's journal every week, you can expect feedback on roughly one half of your entries. (Of course, if you are ever interested in discussing ideas from the readings, or regarding W&S planning and policy more generally, you are welcome to visit during my office hours.)
  
  
• Policy memos are a unique written product that practitioners in the policy and planning fields should be able to produce.
  
  
• Individual research projects are longer papers on particular topics within the broad area of water and sanitation planning. Students completing this assignment will be allowed to select the topic they wish to research; note, however, that the focus must be on policy and/or planning aspects of water supply and sanitation in developing countries. More information about the individual research project will be provided during the term.

Grading

A final grade will be awarded for each student and will be comprised of the following:

Note that 35% of the final grade is based on attendance and participation. Participation includes completing assigned reading before class and being an active member of group discussions.

*The course is not technical in nature. Although we will become familiar with different W&S technologies, the emphasis of this course is on planning and policy processes in the sector.