Development Strategies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Admission to the Master of Development Studies

Understanding of development theories

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/

Development Strategies is designed to facilitate anunderstanding of the conceptual links between theoretical, substantive and practical issues. Students will critically reflect upon and contextualise development strategies in the light of diverse cultural, political and economic scenarios within the developing world. This subject will provide students significant insights into the complexities of development practice.

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

• Analyse the link between theoretical, substantial and practical issues surrounding development;
• Understand key development strategies for improving the lives of marginalised communities in the developing world;
• Critically reflect and contextualise development strategies in the light of diverse cultural, political and economic scenarios within the developing world.

A 2000 word essay (40%) due mid-semester, and a 3000 word essay (60%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% 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.

An online subject reader will be available to students.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to integrate practical examples with theoretical debates from different perspectives;
• Demonstrate critical reflections on key debates regarding a range of development strategies and acritical understanding of the impact of thesestrategies on marginalised communities in developing countries;
• Demonstrate an awareness of alternative theoretical perspectives and various possibilities for analysis of development strategies;
• Apply research skills to evaluate the impact of development strategies implemented by development organisations in communities in the developing world.