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Conflict, Security and Development (MULT90058)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019
Overview
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The aim of this subject is to provide a grounding in analytical approaches to the political economy of conflict, security and development. To achieve this aim, we draw on the notion of the 'continuum of violence’ to show how differing forms of violence are connected in complex ways throughout the various processes of development. The subject examines the foundational theories of conflict and violence, including gender perspectives, debates about the origins of human violence, and the role of violence in historical change. Against this background, we explore a range of competing theories and claims in development theory to trace ways assumptions have influenced ideas regarding the causes and dynamics of conflict . Further, the subject looks critically at contemporary efforts to address insecurity and conflict through conflict mediation, ‘state building’, and post conflict stabilization/reconstruction. We also examine empirical trends in relation to conflict, and the varied responses, to areas that include insecurity/violent conflict; the difficulties of data collection; and the importance of categorization and boundaries to matters of conflict and development.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- explore a range of ways of understanding the possible linkages between ‘development’ and security/conflict;
- develop a political economy approach to understanding these issues, which encourages an exploration of the connections between contemporary trends and historical processes, and an openness to inter-disciplinary methods and approaches;
- encourage critical questioning of available models of explanation and policy packages, through a critical view of theory and empirical evidence, and to explore alternative approaches and policy responses to the challenges created by conflict and insecurity;
- develop case study knowledge of particular conflicts or manifestations of conflict and insecurity;
- develop the ability to critically engage with analytical and operational tools designed to address violent conflict.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to think critically (for example, about development and its measures);
- obtain information to evaluate propositions (about development)
- write coherent and researched essays;
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Development Studies at the undergraduate level
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
- Book review 1,500 words (30%) due after the conclusion of the teaching period
- Final essay 3,500 words (70%) due during the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: Students must attend 100% of classes in order to pass this subject
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2019
Time commitment details
Total 170 hours
Additional delivery details
Seminars/workshops run from 9am until 5pm
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 subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation 150 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender & 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