NGO Education Survey

DVST100 - Introduction to International Development Studies

This is the foundational specified unit for the Bachelor of International Development Studies, as well as an elective or minor unit for those students choosing to undertake International Development as part of the Bachelor of Arts. Professional work in the development sector requires graduates who are knowledgeable about the institutions and contexts that surround development issues in the Global South. This unit introduces key thinkers, concepts and theories in the evolution of international development as it affects the Global South ("Third World"). Development will be examined from historical, political, social and economic perspectives, but there will be an emphasis on an ethical approach in line with the University's Mission. Using case studies and voices from NGO practitioners, the unit considers issues such as gender, sustainable development, contemporary humanitarian practice, Australia's aid and development program, the role of NGOs and the United Nations system, culture and First Nations peoples' responses. The aim of this unit is to introduce key ideas, theories and issues in development studies. These ideas are expanded on in subsequent units.

DVST101 - Humanitarian Work and Development Aid

This is a foundational specified unit for the Bachelor of International Development Studies, as well as an elective or minor unit for those students choosing to undertake International Development as part of the Bachelor of Arts. Humanitarian work has a history marked by ineffective and sometimes damaging interventions by ‘donor’ nations. This unit provides students with foundational knowledge around development aid and develops skills in evaluating the impacts of aid programs to underpin professional work in the development sector. This unit expands on the key ideas, theories and issues introduced in DVST100: Introduction to International Development Studies and will give students a good understanding of the key issues in humanitarian action, and how they affect developing countries. The focus will be on both complex emergencies arising out of conflict, natural disasters, and resulting issues including human rights, gender and the effect on communities, families and children. The unit will cover topics such as international, local and community humanitarian responses, the role of the UN, International NGOs, local NGOs, bilateral and government agencies. The subject will use case studies from the Pacific, East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. The aim of this unit is to examine the evolution of development practice by exploring civil society, private sector and government aid delivery. This unit introduces key ideas and issues which will be expanded in subsequent units such as DVST205 Peace and Development

DVST200 - Refugees and Forced Migration

This is a specified unit for the Bachelor of International Development Studies, building on skills and knowledge from 100-level units. Government and non-Government aid and development organisations routinely work with refugees and asylum seekers. A knowledge of the issues surrounding forced migration is needed by aid workers to support effective professional practice. This unit investigates the historical roots and underlying causes of forced migration. By examining the ethical and legal issues involved, this unit considers the impact upon vunerable i individuals and the displaced communities including children and young people, as well as the implications for the wider society. The unit will further examine forced migration in the light of gendered experiences, the experience of children and young people, psychosocial responses, identity and citizenship. The aim of this unit is to help students to develop an understanding of the current literature on refugees and forced migration, while developing critical thinking and evaluative skills.

DVST303 - Advocacy and Policy Development

This is a specified unit for the Bachelor of International Development Studies and is available as an elective unit or as part of a minor sequence in the Bachelor of Arts. The development sector requires professionals skilled in advocacy strategies. This unit explores different modes of advocacy. Advocacy is a strategic method for achieving positive social change through persuasion and diplomacy, trust and relationship building, education and information, use of communication and media, and strategic partnership. Effective advocacy is one of the pillars of humanitarian efforts and responses conducted before and after crises and in situations of protracted vulnerability, suffering or conflict. In these situations development practitioners try to influence the policies and actions of local, national, regional and international institutions and actors so that they better address the unique challenges faced by communities. This usually includes working to ensure that humanitarian responses are appropriate to community needs and rights, and that they respect humanitarian principles. It can also mean seeking to tackle some of the underlying causes of humanitarian suffering. The unit includes advocating for children and vulnerable adults. This unit will explore how to develop and implement advocacy strategies and policy in international and humanitarian settings. In particular it will explore using humanitarian principles and international law as tools for humanitarian advocacy.