Development
studies is intended to introduce students to the ideas and debates which
comprise the over-arching term ´Development'. ´Development' in this
context refers primarily to ´developing countries', formerly known as
´third world' countries. The term ´third world' is no longer used as
its definition of the world comprising first world (industrialised) countries,
second world (communist) countries and third world (other) countries is both
outdated and does not reflect the levels or distinctions between different
states of development.
In considering ´development', the course addresses many of the most
pressing contemporary global issues, including poverty, ethnic minorities,
income distribution and country and global debt, primary and industrial
development, the environment and sustainability, education, health and
nutrition, and political participation and representation. It considers these
issues through a range of theories of ´development', offering critiques of
each as a means of tracing the effectiveness, ideological foundation and
shortcomings of each.
The primary area of focus of development studies is Asia, although examples are
also drawn from Africa, the Pacific and Latin America. Some of these issues are
of relevance to Australia. There is also emphasis on the global nature of many
of the issues addressed in the course.
The approach taken to development studies is interdisciplinary, representing
seven faculties as well as a number of individual departments and graduate
students.
Staff
associated with the centre are engaged in a wide variety of research projects,
including health in China, industrial restructuring in East Asia, irrigation
management in Indonesia, development of law and government in the South
Pacific, changing food consumption patterns in Asia, Australian foreign aid,
and child labour in Southeast Asia. While staff will usually take a global
approach to their teaching of development studies subjects, they will also draw
upon their specific expertise in particular countries to illustrate wider
issues. A number of centre staff have been engaged by government and other
agencies to advise on a variety of projects and policies. The centre also has
strong links with the non-government organisations concerned with aid and
development.
The centre organises a regular series of seminars at which visitors, staff and
graduate students present the results of their work. Its publications list
consists of a number of monographs, occasional papers and working papers.
While most graduate students work in individual departments, most students benefit
from a wide range of advice. The centre regards this interdisciplinary supervision
of graduate students as an important part of its activities. For further information,
check with the Faculty of Arts (telephone (03) 9905 2105).
Course code: 2846 * Course fees: Local students - HECS; international students
- $13,000 * pa * Coordinator: TBA
This program provides some coursework which serves as a foundation for students
who are being supervised in a substantial piece of research relating to
development theory, policy or practice. It is intended primarily to extend the
knowledge, research and writing skills of people seeking employment in
organisations involved with issues relating to third world development. The
degree may be completed in one-and-a-half years full-time or three years
part-time.
To gain entry to the MA as a research student (ie 66 per cent thesis), applicants must have an honours degree, with a grade of at least 2A in a discipline relevant to development studies (eg arts majoring in anthropology, economics, geography, politics or sociology). At the recommendation of the coordinator and the approval of the faculty, students with exceptionally good results in their graduate diploma may be admitted into the MA by coursework/research combined.
Candidates are required to successfully complete a total of 24 points of coursework subjects: DSM5000.12 (Development studies and development planning in an era of global crisis) is the core subject (12 points); another 12 points chosen from the list of fifth-year elective subjects; plus a 66 per cent thesis of 25,000 to 35,000 words. Research topics must be determined in consultation with supervisors who are to be selected by the student in consultation with the coordinator. The thesis will normally be examined by one internal and one external examiner. The minimum pass grade for subjects in the Master of Arts in Development Studies by coursework combined with research is 60 C, that is, a grade of credit or above is required in every subject and for the thesis. The subject list will include disciplines such as politics, anthropology, sociology, history, economics, geography, environmental issues, public heath, education and law.
Course code: 0017 * Course fees: Local students - HECS; international students
- $13,000 * pa * Coordinator: TBA
This program provides a range of coursework subjects intended to be useful to
people seeking employment in organisations involved with issues relating to
third world development. These include government departments, non-government
aid organisations, and consultancy firms. The degree may be completed in one
year full-time or its part-time equivalent.
To gain admission to the MA program by coursework only, applicants must have completed an honours degree in a relevant discipline (eg arts majoring in anthropology, economics, geography, politics or sociology) with a result of at least H2B, or have completed a Graduate Diploma of Arts (Development Studies) with a credit average.
Candidates are required to successfully complete DSM5000.12 (Development studies and development planning in an era of global crisis) and any subjects totalling 36 points chosen from the schedule of fifth-year elective subjects for development studies. The subject list will include disciplines such as politics, anthropology, sociology, history, economics, geography, environmental issues, public heath, education and law.
Course code: 2050 * Course fees: Local students - HECS; international students
- $13,000 * pa * Coordinator: TBA
The graduate diploma is intended for students who wish to complete a
postgraduate qualification in development studies within one year of full-time
study or two years part-time. The diploma is not a research-oriented
qualification and does not include a dissertation. Students who perform at
credit average in the diploma are eligible to apply for entry into the MA in
development studies by coursework.
Applicants for the diploma should have an approved bachelors pass degree in a discipline relevant to development studies (eg arts majoring in anthropology, economics, geography, politics or sociology).
Candidates are required to successfully complete DSM4000.12 (Development studies: theories and approaches to policy) and subjects totalling 36 points chosen from the schedule of fourth-year elective subjects for development studies. The subject list will include disciplines such as politics, anthropology, sociology, history, economics, geography, environmental issues, public heath, education and law.
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