ATS2378 · Global inequality and alternatives to development

Overview

In this unit, you will take an anthropological approach to critiquing international aid and development and the global structures it is embedded within. You will explore various theories of globalisation and the production of global inequalities. You will employ ethnographic research and methods to improve understanding of development processes, and the notions of human progress it rests upon. Through specific critical case studies of approaches, institutions, programs and practitioners across multiple cultural contexts, you will investigate how development policy is imagined, produced, received or resisted and how those being developed, the so-called ‘beneficiaries’, are imagined, defined and assisted. In response to these critiques you will explore new and recommended alternative approaches to international development such as feminist theories, participatory and post-development, decolonisation and localisation.

Areas of study: Anthropology International relations International studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Evaluate dominant discourses, models and theories in historical and contemporary development;
2. Explain the role that globalisation plays in global inequalities and the impact and responses of different individuals, collectives and environments;
3. Analyse the effect of aid and development policies and programs on particular cultures collectives and environments;
4. Recognise and discuss the culture and approaches of contemporary mainstream and alternative international aid and development organizations, institutions and practitioners;
5. Read, think and respond reflectively and critically to global issues and challenges;
6. Utilise developing academic qualitative research skills to locate, link, critically analyse and communicate theory and evidence.

Workload

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. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.