In 2015 over 150 world leaders agreed to the Sustainable Development Goals, as the global agenda to promote shared prosperity and well-being for all over the following 15 years. The SDGs quickly became synonymous with development, and now shape domestic and international development policies.. What theories, ideas and assumptions underpin the SDGs? Are they a departure from international efforts that came before? Do the 17 SDGs represent a genuine consensus on development, or do they mask ongoing deep divides?
The SDGs represent agreement on a global agenda to ‘promote prosperity while protecting the planet.’ Yet as poverty and inequality continue to plague the lives of much of the world's population, development often seems elusive. Despite the representation of the SDGs as a global consensus, the very concept of development remains contested.
This course critically examines some of the major themes that have shaped – and continue to shape – global development efforts. It places several of the themes represented in the SDGs under the spotlight, exploring their origins, the often contested ideas and theories that underpin them, and the ongoing debates. The course does not assume there is a single or a correct approach towards development. Rather, using the SDGs as a prism, it aims to explore and critically assess the ideas, values and assumptions that have shaped international development agendas.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of different, often competing, conceptualisations of ‘development’
- Have a sound knowledge of several major theories of international development
- Critically analyse the strengths and shortcomings of major theories
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of several themes that dominate the contemporary international development agenda
- Critically analyse the strengths and shortcomings of dominant themes
Indicative Assessment
- Presentation (5-10mins) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Review Paper (2000 wds) (30) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Research Paper (3000 wds) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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Workload
A standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts. However depending upon availability and suitability, an especially topical contemporary book may be set. The cost of this book is always kept to a minimum by using a cheap hardcover or paperback edition.
Preliminary Reading
A select bibliography of books, articles and electronic sites is provided via the course Web CT site for all students enrolled in POGO 8072
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.