The Developing World

Subject DEVT10001 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 02-Mar-2015 to 31-May-2015
Assessment Period End 26-Jun-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 13-Mar-2015
Census Date 31-Mar-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 08-May-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 2 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment:

Total of 170 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 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/

Coordinator

Dr Bina Fernandez

Contact

Dr. Bina Fernandez

bina.fernandez@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is an introduction to the developing world and development studies from the perspectives of Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, Sociology and Geography. Beginning with an examination of the legacies of colonialism, we will ask to what extent they can be argued to have created the current divide between the developed, global North and the developing or under-developed global South. We will then focus on the relationship between rich and poor countries in an increasingly globalised world, identifying the manifestations of global inequality and ways of addressing it. The roles of international organisations and agendas such as the Millennium Development Goals in mediating relations between global North and South will also be studied. Key development issues such as poverty, aid, debt, trade, migration, gender and sustainability will be investigated through use of case studies from Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • Have a critical understanding of the contribution of colonialism to contemporary global inequalities in development;
  • Acquire greater analytical capacity to evaluate the current political and economic relationships between developed and developing countries;
  • acquire a deeper critical understanding of the role of institutional actors in development like the state, NGOs, and international organisations such as the World Trade Organisation, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the United Nations;
  • Become familiar with foundational terms and concepts in the field of development studies.


Assessment:

A tutorial presentation of 500 words (10%) due during the semester, a 2,000 word essay (50%) due during the semester, and a 1500 word 2-hour exam (40%) held during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials 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.

Prescribed Texts:

The subject coordinator will advise students of prescribed reading at the start of semester.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study/ads/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology
Development Studies
Related Breadth Track(s): Development Studies

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