Department of Economics & International Development, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EC40165 Critical issues in social development |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must (take EC10077 and take EC20023) or take EC50061 |
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Aims: To introduce students to key current issues in social development, and equip them with analytical skills to address these.
Learning Outcomes: Participants should gain some knowledge and understanding of key issues and approaches in social development, and be able to locate these in a broader analysis of societies and culture. Skills: * Cross-cultural and interpersonal sensitivity (Taught/Facilitated) * Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (e.g. essays) (T/F/A) * Concise, time-bound and effective written communication (e.g. briefings ) * Effective oral communication (e.g. seminar presentations) (T/F) * Ability to select, summarise and synthesise written information from multiple sources (T/F/A) * Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (T/F/A) * Ability to select and use appropriate ideas to produce a coherent response to a pre-set question (T/F/A) * Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (T/F/A) * Ability to work effectively as part of a group or team (T/F) * Ability to reflect critically on own experience (T/F). Content: The core of social development is the recognition that development is done for, by, and with people. Sound understanding of social life and culture is critical to the impact of policies on the ground. Beyond a duty of care for the relatively disadvantaged, this requires critical analysis of the social dynamics through which identities are constructed and resources distributed. With particular reference to gender and child rights, this unit examines some of the key approaches in the field of social development, and explores the analytical issues that these raise. Considering underlying issues of culture and political economy, it locates present approaches within the broader traditions of analysis. Reflection on personal experience is also encouraged. Finally, it reviews breaking issues in social development, such as wellbeing, commodification, the significance of psychology, race, and violence. Illustrative content: targeting women; planning gender; men and masculinity; child rights; child labour; child participation; wellbeing and livelihoods; commodification and consumption; race and racism; health and culture; psychologies in development; violence. |