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Africa: Environment, Development, People (GEOG30024)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
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.
Intended learning outcomes
To provide broad understanding of environmental, social and development issues in Africa.
Generic skills
- 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.
Last updated: 2 November 2024