Development, Culture and Conflict

Subject 161-591 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points:

12.50

Level:

5 (Graduate/Postgraduate)

Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment (including non-contact time): 120 hours

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 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 Alan Thorold

Contact

Dr Alan Thorold
athorold@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:	The end of the Cold War and the announcement of the ‘New World Order’ created a rapidly transforming terrain for the practice of development, humanitarian intervention and aid. Cultural, ethnic and religious conflict is a feature of many of the situations in which development agencies and workers find themselves. Complex emergencies characterized by extensive violence, displacements of people and the need for multi-faceted humanitarian intervention have become increasingly numerous and intractable. This subject examines the new context for development in the light of debates about the ‘clash of civilizations’, the end of history, the failure of secularism, the ‘coming anarchy’ and the rising prominence of fundamentalisms. The relationship between culture and development will also be explored in some depth. Case studies and illustrative material from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and other regions will be an important component of the subject.
Objectives:	An understanding of the contemporary cultural, ethnic and religious factors in global conflicts; familiarity with the notion of complex emergencies and their manifestations in Africa, Middle East and South Asia; the ability to make sophisticated analysis of the contemporary terrain of development and to present that in the form of written and verbal accounts.
Assessment:	Tutorial presentation (10%) during semester; 1 ,000 word essay (20%) due mid semester and 3,500 word essay (70%) due at the end of seemster.
Prescribed Texts:	To be advised.
Breadth Options:	This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the key concepts; gain critical analysis skills; gain research skills; be able to work independently as well as a member of a team; be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Related Course(s):	Master of Development Studies(CWT)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations:	Development Studies Development Studies Gender Studies Gender Studies

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