The Developing World

Subject DEVT10001 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 2 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment:

An average of 8 hours each week

Prerequisites:

None.

Corequisites:

None.

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None.

Non Allowed Subjects:

None.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Bina Fernandez

Contact

Dr. Bina Fernandez

bina.fernandez@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is an introduction to the developing world and development studies from the perspectives of Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, Sociology and Geography. Beginning with an examination of the legacies of colonialism, we will ask to what extent they can be argued to have created the current divide between the developed, global North and the developing or under-developed global South. We will then focus on the relationship between rich and poor countries in an increasingly globalised world, identifying the manifestations of global inequality and ways of addressing it. The roles of international organisations and agendas such as the Millennium Development Goals in mediating relations between global North and South will also be studied. Key development issues such as poverty, aid, debt, trade, migration, gender and sustainability will be investigated through use of case studies from Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • Be familiar with key terms and concepts used in the field of development studies
  • Understand historical causes of the current disparity in income and the emergence of the modern world system
  • Understand the relationship between poverty, population and resources in various parts of the world
  • Understand contemporary development issues in different countries and regions
Assessment:

A tutorial presentation with a 500-word report (10%) due during the semester, a 1,500 word essay (40%) due during the semester, and a 2 hr exam (50%) held during the examination period.

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

Allen, T. and Thomas A. (2000) Poverty and Development into the 21st Century Oxford: Oxford UP

Desai, V. and Potter, R. (2002) The Companion to Development Studies London: Arnold

Reading materials will also be available online via the subject's LMS site

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • have practice in speaking and writing clearly and reading carefully
  • have experience of methods of critical inquiry and argument leading to improved analytical skills
  • have acquired awareness of issues relating to the developing world.
Links to further information: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study/ads/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology and Development
Anthropology and Social Theory
Development Studies
Development Studies Major
Media and Communications
Related Breadth Track(s): Development Studies

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