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Rural and Urban Development Strategies (DEVT90047)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2023
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This subject focuses on prevalent development challenges and strategies in rural and urban contexts of the developing world. Students will develop an understanding of strategies by actors at different levels, across rural and urban contexts, and of the ways in which these strategies can contribute to effective and sustainable development. Concrete examples and case studies from different developing countries will be used to explore topics such as: the Green Revolution and state-sponsored agricultural settlement schemes; peasant mobilisation and contemporary farmers' movements like Via Campesina; the socio-political determinants of public health in rural areas; infrastructure planning and development; the gendered dimensions of rural and urban work; urbanisation and urban planning; and livelihoods in the informal sector. Through these topics, students will gain critical insights into the interconnections between rural and urban development challenges and strategies, and into common and complementary approaches across different sectors.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Understand the key trends and interventions with regard to both rural and urban development;
- Develop a holistic perspective that treats rural and urban challenges as interconnected and considers the interlinkages between economic, ecological, social, political, cultural, gender, public health and other dimensions;
- Critically reflect on the fact that rural and urban development strategies, however sensible and necessary, almost invariably produce unforeseen and sometimes unwanted outcomes.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to integrate practical examples with theoretical debates from different perspectives;
- Demonstrate critical reflections on rural and urban development strategies and a critical understanding of the impact of these strategies on marginalised communities in developing countries;
- Analyse the causes, dynamics and effects of key policy interventions, grapple with both intended and unintended effects and interrogate the underlying evidence base;
- Apply research skills to evaluate the impact of development strategies implemented in rural and urban contexts in various parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
DEVT90009 | Development Theories | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Understanding of development theories
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: 10 November 2023
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
An assignment
| During the teaching period | 40% |
An essay
| During the examination period | 60% |
Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Dates & times
Not available in 2023
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
Admission to the Master of Development Studies.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development) Specialisation (formal) Development Studies Informal specialisation 150 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: 10 November 2023