Africa: Environment, Development, People

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

50 points of first, second or third year geography/anthropology/development studies/politics/planning/environments subjects or approval of the subject coordinator.

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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they
must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who
feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter
with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

This subject introduces students to the physical environment, history and development challenges facing contemporary Sub-Saharan Africa. Students will examine in detail intellectual and ethical debates surrounding the strategies undertaken by postcolonial African states and the overseas development “industry” to tackle poverty, inequality, environmental change and the colonial legacy. Students will consider how Africa’s problems are portrayed and understood by the rest of the world. Topics may include: the physical environment and competing understandings of environmental change; the history and governance of the continent; regional case studies (West Africa and the D.R. Congo); agrarian transformations and rural livelihoods; development projects and rise of the NGO; military conflict and mineral wealth; hunger, famine, and the controversies of the relief industry; forestry; wildlife conservation; and urban geographies.

To provide broad understanding of environmental, social and development issues in Africa.

Book reviews or reading assignments of 1000 words 25% (due mid-semester), an open essay of 2000 words 50% (due end of semester), a class test 20% (at the end of semester) and tutorial attendance and participation 5%.

Stock R. 2012. Africa south of the Sahara: a geographical interpretation. Guilford Press.

Moseley, W.G. (ed.) 2011. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on African Issues. McGraw-Hill.

Binns A, A.Dixon and E.Nel. 2012. Africa:Diversity and Development. Routledge.

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

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Music

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.

• Understand contemporary challenges facing Africans in their historical, political, and environmental context.
• Be able to conduct independent research on African topics, using a variety of media.
• Be able to exercise critical judgement in written assignments and tutorial discussion.

Students who have completed 121-494 Africa: Environment, Development, People may not enrol in this subject.

Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 degree), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.