History and Politics of the Theories of Development G (8767.4)

This unit aims to help students develop a critical understanding of the discourse of development, through an exploration of its history. We will investigate various theories of development in their historical, social, and political context, as well as the genealogy of key concepts (such as development, progress, poverty, standard of living, human needs, and so forth). The focus will be on uncovering the assumptions and arguments that underpin various approaches to development, with the ultimate aim of helping students to become more reflexive about their own assumptions and professional practice.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the history of development theories;

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of key theoretical approaches to development;
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how key concepts of development discourse have changed over time, and how those concepts relate to their historical, social and political context;
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the diversity of understandings of development in different contexts; and
5. Demonstrate the skills required to articulate and present critique appropriate for studies at post-graduate level.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Skills development

In addition to meeting the specific academic requirements of a particular degree, all UC graduates are expected to acquire a range of generic skills or graduate attributes through their program of study. A full statement of the generic skills and attributes expected of UC graduates can be found at https://guard.canberra.edu.au/policy/policy.php?pol_id=3344. Employers value these skills highly, and it is important for your future career that you be able to identify your generic skills, and point to the learning experiences that produced them.

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Incompatible units

None

Equivalent units

None

Assumed knowledge

None