Development Theories

This subject is not offered in 2014.

120 hours

Admission to the Master of Development Studies or the Master of Development Studies (Gender and Development).

Students who enrol in this subject must be enrolled in a Masters by coursework degree.

DEVT90009 Understanding Development

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/

This subject forms an introduction to the main theories of development and considers key issues in development such as globalisation, development aid, and development in the new post-Cold War context. This subject seeks to foster skills in critical thinking, communication and group work. Students should become adept at synthesising complex theories and ideas and be able to engage in and critically assess a range of contemporary debates in development.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Understand and appreciate the main theories of development;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the strengths, weaknesses, and embedded assumptions of these theories;
• Understand key issues in development studies and development policy;
• Have an awareness of alternative theoretical perspectives and various possibilities for theoretical analysis;
• Communicate knowledge effectively.

A 1500 word country develoment report (40%) due mid- semester, and a 3500 word major essay (60%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

To be advised by coordinator

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to think critically (for example, about development and its measures);
• obtain information to evaluate propositions (about development);
• write coherent and researched essays;
• work in teams (to identify answers to practical problems).