EV5011 - Contemporary Issues in Development Practice

Available to postgraduate students admitted to the Master of Development Practice (105504)

This subject provides an overview of the critical components of contemporary development practice. It develops a detailed understanding of the practice of development, the main actors, ideologies, theories and programs and current global issues and priorities in this rapidly developing area of study. It identifies the tools used by development practitioners, including planning and participatory tools, communications, funding and delivery mechanisms. Students will acquire knowledge of the application of science to development, including the concepts of technical assistance versus shared learning. Other topics to be examined include: the role of civil society in development practice, environmental issues in development practice, concepts of constructivism versus planned development, approaches to integrated natural resource management and the history and practice of the Millennium Development Goals. There will be comparative studies of international cases.

Learning Outcomes

• broad general understanding of the practice of development, the main actors, ideologies, theories, programs and current global issues and priorities;
• understanding of the inter- connectedness of all of the different subjects making up the Master of Development Practice by allowing for the entire student cohort to share knowledge gained from their respective elective subjects;
• knowledge of the tools used by development practitioners, planning and participatory tools, communications, funding and delivery mechanisms;
• knowledge of the application of science to development, of scientific theories and methods, scientific programs, the CGIAR and other international scientific programs;
• improved writing and communication skills and an ability to make quality public presentations with visual support.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to manage future career and personal development;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to identify and take serendipitous advantage of research opportunities;
• The ability to conduct their research in an ethical manner.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.