The scene is familiar. The student to your left is expounding upon an esoteric interpretation of Marxist theory. The student on your right looks confused and then, after getting enough courage, says, "I'm sorry, maybe I'm the only ignorant one in here but, what really is socialist development?" Another student, near the back of the room, keeps nodding off, struggling to stay awake.

Because of the diversity in student backgrounds, discussions of the political economy of development in a classroom setting can be unsatisfying. Some students, familiar with the writings of classical political economists, tend to dominate the discussion; others feel shrouded in ignorance and, hence, reluctant to participate.