HUMN 7031 Political Economy of Development

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101895

Coordinator Zulfan Tadjoeddin Opens in new window

Description The subject introduces students to the main theories and the diverse political economy dimensions of development. It consists of three modules. The first deals with key concepts that interrogate the meaning of development, origins of prosperity and the concepts of poverty, inequality and redistribution, which are contentious in their applications to various groups. The second module examines core issues in the political economy of development, which include globalisation, foreign aid, democracy, conflict and the role of the state. The last module engages with pertinent case studies focusing on Asia, the Pacific as well as problems with development in the Western world.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Studies In Human Society

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Review various theoretical perspectives of development and debates surrounding them.
  2. Identify and critically analyse the core issues and their inter-linkages in the diverse perspectives of political economy of development.
  3. Critically analyse cases of development using appropriate theoretical frameworks.

Subject Content

Module I - Concepts
1. Defining and measuring development
2. Origins of prosperity: Capital, geography, culture and institutions
3. Poverty, inequality and redistribution
Module II ? Core Issues
4. Globalisation: The West and the rest
5. Development assistance and foreign aid
6. Fragile and failed states: The bottom billion
7. Democracy and development
8. The state and development: Searching for a right balance
Module III ? Case Studies
9. The East Asian and Southeast Asian miracle
10. Global financial crisis (GFC) and populism
11. Development in the Pacific: Vulnerability of small island states
12. The struggle of Indigenous peoples

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Essay 800 words 25 N Individual
Critical Review 800 words 25 N Individual
Case Study 1,400 words 50 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Autumn (2024)

Parramatta City - Macquarie St

On-site

Subject Contact Zulfan Tadjoeddin Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window