Social Impact Assessment and Evaluation

Subject 121-529 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - 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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twelve 2-hour seminars plus fieldwork to be advised.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Entry to fourth year or MA
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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Simon Batterbury
Subject Overview:

This subject develops the skills to understand and assess the social impacts of development. The different actors involved in shaping and implementing development projects and programmes (the state, international development agencies, non-government organisations and grass roots institutions) are appraised. Using practical examples from the non-Western and Western world, we develop techniques to monitor and evaluate impacts using interdisciplinary techniques drawn from anthropology, development studies, and the policy sciences that move beyond summative assessments and financial accounting. We consider the social and environmental contexts in which assessment is embedded, and the capacities of different actors and organizations to avert or mitigate negative impacts through learning, negotiation, and citizen participation. At the completion of the subject students will have developed the conceptual skills to understand the relationship between society and development; be familiar with the range of methodologies and techniques used in impact assessment studies; and be able to critically evaluate the impact of assessment projects and programmes.

Assessment: Fourth year students: An essay of 3000 words 70 per cent, and a project report 2000 words 30 per cent. Masters students: An essay of 4000 words 70 per cent and a project report of 2000 words 30 per cent.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

The LMS system will be used for all readings.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to understand international development projects and their role in social change;

  • be able to understand critical theories of social impact assessment;

  • be able to critique Social Impact Statements effectively;

  • be able to apply knowledge gained in the subject to new situations.

Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)
Master of Development Studies(CWT)
Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Master of Social Policy
Master of Urban Planning
Master of Urban Planning

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