AZA2549 - Poverty and power: The uneven world - 2017

The unit looks at the state of global poverty, development and inequalities and analyses the forces that drive them. It provides critical insights into the massive human and economic costs of inequality and poverty and proposes realistic solutions. It examines links between population, resources and health issues. The role of government and non-governmental agencies in alternative development strategies.

The unit examines selected aspects of the nature and impact of poverty and development in the contemporary world. Major areas of concern include: the patterns and impacts of geographically-uneven development; access to land, natural resources and distributive justice; population, health, and environment with respect to questions of human rights; the geopolitics of the 'Third World'; and the business of international development conducted by the World Bank, IMF, bilateral aid organisations, and nongovernmental organisations.

To successfully complete this unit, students will need to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of the development experience;
2. Understand key concepts and theoretical perspectives used in approaches to global development and poverty eradication;
3. Develop the ability to critically analyse the distinctive problems and prospects associated with international development;
4. Identify strategies to address poverty;
5. Identify the opportunities and constraints related to development in industrialising countries and disadvantaged indigenous communities living within wealthy nations.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Agnes Babugura

African studies - South Africa

Development studies - South Africa

Geography and environmental science - South Africa

International studies - South Africa

Philosophy and ethics - South Africa

AZA3549, ATS2549, ATS3549