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Development Studies - COMDC13538
Development
Plan Outline
Plan Structure

Plan Summary

 
Faculty: Australian School of Business
 
 
School: School of Social Sciences and International Studies
 
 
Contact: http://developmentstudies.arts.unsw.edu.au
 
 
Program: 3538 - Commerce (International)
 
 
Award(s):
 
 
Bachelor of Commerce (International Studies) (Major)
 
 

Plan Outline

This plan is only available to students commencing 2009 onwards

Development Studies is a growing multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary branch of the social sciences and the humanities that offers the opportunity to learn about the nature of social, economic and political conditions in developing countries and the search for solutions to their problems as well as those of the rest of the world that are related to them. Development Studies is a learning gateway to knowledge of the problems of inequality, poverty, environmental degradation, global warming and the causes of the wars. It also addresses issues like the impact of growing trade, cultural exchange and international institution building, but also has an important local, national and regional focus. The regional focus includes developing knowledge of of specific societies in Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and Africa in terms of their history, development, culture, technology and institutions and how these differences both can or should translate into varied 'local' responses to local, regional or global strategies for development. The contextual focus also offers the opportunity to develop an understanding the history of development; the process of cultural change, the nature of international relations; development policy, development programs and their implementation; understanding technological change; examining the role of health policy and the spread of HIV/aids amongst others, as well as the very important issues of the role human right’s, addressing gender inequality and the challenge of making development sustainable. Development Studies offers the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and the capacity to work and do research in a growing field.

Students graduating from UNSW with a major in Development Studies should be able to demonstrate:
  • the knowledge and skills required for effective tertiary study
  • a range of specialised conceptual, policy and practical knowledge and skills developed through acquiring a sophisticated understanding of development analysis, work and the language it employs
  • a capacity to understand and interpret both disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through obtaining an understanding of the ways development issues have emerged, are understood and addressed that takes into account of the role of the social, economic, institutional and political factors and their interaction
  • a deep critical understanding by students of development issues at a level of competency sufficient for either working in the field of development or research of development issues
  • a critical knowledge of the role and methods of development institutions and their role in development practice, for example, in relation to new issues like the recognition and the role of human rights in development
  • build the skills required of those students wishing to engage in development work
  • an international outlook that recognises the role that conditions applying in the developing world effect every aspect of life in the developed world and visa versa

Plan Structure

A student who wishes to gain a major sequence in Development Studies must complete 48 uoc including 12 uoc at Level 1, 18 uoc at Level 2 and 18 uoc at Level 3, including the capstone course.

Students may substitute the two courses (12 uoc) in Studies of the Region for any of the courses required by the major provided they are approved by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The capstone course cannot be substituted; it must be completed at UNSW.

Level 1
AND EITHER:
OR ONE of the following courses:

Level 2

Development Studies Courses:
The following courses from other subject areas can also be counted towards the Development Studies Major:

Level 3

Development Studies Courses:
The following courses from other subject areas can also be counted towards the Development Studies Major:
Development Studies Capstone course (Compulsory)

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.