Geopolitics & Development

Subject DEVT20003 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2012.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours per week, 5.5 additional hours per week, total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Completion of 200 points of study including at least 50 points of geography, development studies or politics.
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/

Contact

Melbourne School of Land & Environment Student Centre
Ground Floor, Land & Food Resources (building 142)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines the ways in which geopolitical thought shapes practices of war, peace and development, and the ways in which these are interrelated. States shape their security and development policies according to their understanding of the geography of the world and other states. It is therefore important to understand these geopolitical reasonings in order to comprehend the causes of violence and poverty and strategies for their elimination. This subject uses key texts and case studies to illustrate the interconnections between geopolitics, conflict, peace and development. Students will develop an ability to think clearly and critically about past and contemporary world affairs.

Objectives:
  • an understanding of the meaning of geopolitics and its influence on peace and development.
  • an understanding of the relationships between peace and development.
  • an understanding of some key theories in peace studies.
  • an understanding of some key theories in development studies.
  • an ability to critically read security and development policy.
  • Assessment: A 10-minute tutorial presentation 10%, an associated written tutorial paper of 1000 words 20% (due one week after the tutorial presentation), a 3000-word essay 50% (due at the end of semester) and a 20-minute tutorial presentation on the major essay 20% (due in the last week of term).
    Prescribed Texts: n/a
    Breadth Options:

    This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

    Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
    Generic Skills:
  • be capable of critical thinking and analysis
  • be capable of thinking in theoretical terms
  • be capable of written communication
  • Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Geography

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