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Development Studies Special Topics B (DEVT90005)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | March |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Development Studies Special Topic B: Global Governance and International Development
This course provides students with an analytical base for understanding the ways in which processes of global governance have and do frame the idea of 'international development' and shape the resources, strategies, policies and institutions that promote economic, social and political change in 'developing countries'. While there is much doom and gloom about the state of the world, life has been getting better (often at an accelerated rate) for most of humanity in recent times. Extreme poverty has reduced dramatically, incomes and life expectancy have been rising and child and maternal mortality have declined. But rising insecurity, inequality and unsustainability challenge these advances in the human condition.
Through the application of Robert Cox's critical political economic approach to examining historical structures (material capabilities, ideas and institutions) we explore the dominant narratives of 'how' international development is to be achieved – by international agencies, national governments and other actors. This covers the 1945 to 1990 period (modernization & growth, rural development and structural adjustment) and more recent times (good governance, poverty reduction and now sustainable development).
Particular attention is paid to the roles and motives of: (i) multilateral institutions such as the UN, World Bank and IMF (ii) OECD-DAC countries/donors and the ways in which they pursue dynamic mixes of self-interest and moral mission, (iii) the BRICs/BRICS and especially China and India, and (iv) the role of national governments.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- explore the ways in which the possible linkages between global governance and ‘international development’ can be understood;
- develop an international political economy approach to understanding these issues, built on an examination of the connections between contemporary trends and historical processes, and an openness to inter-disciplinary approaches and methods ;
- encourage critical questioning of available models of explanation and policy packages, through a critical view of theory and empirical evidence, so that alternative approaches and policy responses to the challenges created by the internationally uneven distribution of wealth and poverty can be better understood;
- develop detailed case study knowledge of particular issues, ideas & associated policies and institutions;
- develop the ability to critically engage with analytical and operational tools designed to promote international development and well-being for all of humanity.
Generic skills
The subject is intended to strengthen the following skills:
- unravelling development policies, place them in historical context and critically reflect on them;
- construct coherent arguments about development policy;
- straddle the divide between academic and policy, treat the knowledge, language and workings of both realms at their own merit, and identify tensions and connections between them.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A written assignment (2000 words) due during the assessment period
- A final essay (3000 words) due during the assessment period
- Hurdle requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory for all classes and regular class participation is expected, unless there are exception circumstances (e.g. illness)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- March
Coordinator Lan Anh Hoang Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours total: This subject will be delivered intensively from 9:00am - 5:00pm, with seminars over 3 consecutive days. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 8 March 2019 to 10 March 2019 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2019 Census date 29 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 April 2019 Assessment period ends 24 May 2019
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of the subjet.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Development Studies Specialisation (formal) Development Studies Informal specialisation 150 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development) Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development) Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development) Major Development Major Development - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022