GES1062

Geographical perspectives on development in the third world

Dr Stephen Legg

6 points
* 4 hours per week
* Second semester
* Peninsula

Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to identify and describe alternative notions of `development'; explain the key opportunities and constraints on economic development in the third world; critically analyse the likely socio-cultural and environmental effects of particular development policies and practices; and describe the geographical process of globalisation within which third world development occurs.

Synopsis The aim of this subject is to introduce students to selected aspects of socioeconomic development in the third world. The subject begins with a consideration of the multifaceted notion of development, means of measuring it, and various strategies for its achievement. A major emphasis is on resource management and the issue of the sustainability, appropriateness and impact of development (particularly on the natural environment). The history of development from the colonial era provides a context, but the major emphasis is on the nature of contemporary third world economies and societies. The investigation ranges through economic, political and sociological aspects of development. This includes various international and intra-regional relationships. Special emphasis is placed upon the urban, rural and industrial sectors in third world countries, using case studies taken from Africa, Asia, South America and the Pacific.

Assessment Written (2000 words): 40%
* Examinations (2 hours): 40%
* Tutorial work: 20%

Recommended texts

Cornia G A and others Adjustment with a human face Clarendon Press, 1987
Dicken P Global shift: Industrial change in a turbulent world Harper and Row, 1986
Donaldson P Worlds apart 2nd edn, Penguin, 1986
George S A fate worse than debt Pluto, 1988
Harris N The end of the third world Penguin, 1990
Johnston R and Taylor P J A A world in crisis: Geographical perspectives Blackwell, 1986
Lawrence P World recession and the food crisis in Africa James Currey, 1986
Ravenhill J Africa in economic crisis Macmillan, 1986