NGO Education Survey

Civil Society, NGOs and the State

In place of hydroelectric engineering feats, geographically based industrial zones, and political experiments in 'third world welfare states' a multitude of social policy initiatives and international development programs tied to smaller, more efficient, face to face, culturally appropriate, and voluntary civil society based organizations have proliferated. This has spawned a sea of buzzwords, acronyms, and theoretical assumptions such as social capital, capacity building, governance and accountability, empowerment, participatory development, and non-governmental, community based, and third sector organizations (NGOs, CBOs, and TSOs). These new civil society approaches to international development assistance have become hegemonic and ubiquitous across all sectors of the development industry from small grassroots organizations to large multilateral donors such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Contemporary Issues in Governance

This subject examines the dynamics of contemporary public governance in Australia and overseas. Students will investigate traditional and emerging governance models, with an emphasis on the changing nature of governance in the "network society", against the backdrop of an increasingly global social and economic order. Attention will be given to contemporary changes to the organisation of the public sector in both industrialised and non-OECD countries, and to the increasing role of civil society and other non-governmental actors in contemporary governance processes.

Directed Study in Development

This subject involves a critical assessment of the literature of a research area in development studies, chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor. The area of review will be determined during regular meetings and discussions between the student and supervisor. Regular meetings will be held to discuss the development of academic arguments in the review. Preparation of the review will include an extensive literature search by the student on the defined topic and critical appraisal of drafts by the supervisor prior to final submission of the review.

Gender Issues in Development

As an arguably fundamental cross-cutting theme in development theory and practice today, gender issues and perspectives have moved significantly from the political and economic empowerment strategies of feminist activism in the 1970s. What began as a concern with women's ongoing discrimination and disadvantage and the lack of visibility of women and their particular needs from development became a broader concern with the nature of relations between men and women. Discussions will focus on contemporary actions and approaches, feminist critiques, and the embedding of gender in practices of development agencies, international organisations, non-government organisations and state level actors. Case studies will consider the approaches to gender issues by various actors and stakeholders, particularly in relation to the former colonised world. It will critically explore key concepts applied in development practice such as 'gender sensitive' and 'gender mainstreaming', and the appropriateness of tools and techniques such as 'gender analysis' for understanding culture, expressed in the construction of gender identities and inequalities.

Geopolitics & Development

This subject examines the ways in which geopolitical thought shapes practices of war, peace and development, and the ways in which these are interrelated. States shape their security and development policies according to their understanding of the geography of the world and other states. It is therefore important to understand these geopolitical reasonings in order to comprehend the causes of violence and poverty and strategies for their elimination. This subject uses key texts and case studies to illustrate the interconnections between geopolitics, conflict, peace and development. Students will develop an ability to think clearly and critically about past and contemporary world affairs.

Health and Development

This subject examines the relationship between health and political economic development in the world system, particularly in developing countries. It draws upon medical anthropology and health sociology in addressing issues such as the social origins of disease and suffering and health-related problems associated with development and underdevelopment, including AIDS and other infectious diseases, global climate change, and access to health care, both in terms of national health care systems and a medical pluralism. It examines the impact of various international organizations, such as the UN, WHO, World Bank, the WTO, and the pharmaceutical industry as well that of grass-roots groups, such as NGOs, health movements, and traditional healers upon global health conditions. Finally, the subject considers social structural and socio-cultural changes that would be needed to create an equitable and healthy world system.

Migration and Development

Migration is no doubt the most significant driver of social change in the developing world. The key objective of this subject is to examine key issues and debates around the migration - development nexus. Students will be provided with a solid understanding of theoretical perspectives underpinning migration and development as well as the economic, social and cultural implications of migration to development processes at both micro and macro levels. In addition, we will critically assess the links between migration and key debates in development such as poverty, gender and social change.

Poverty, Microfinance, and Development

Development studies as an academic discipline has its origins in President Harry Truman's concept of a 'fair deal' for the entire world. In his inaugural address on January 20, 1949, he stated that Third World poverty, "is a handicap and a threat both to them and to more prosperous areas. For the first time in history humanity possesses the knowledge and the skill to relieve the suffering of these people.... I believe that we should make available to peace-loving peoples the benefits of our store of technical knowledge in order to help them realize their aspirations for a better life..... What we envisage is a program of development based on the concepts of democratic fair dealing"...

Project Management and Design

An introduction to project management and design from an interdisciplinary and participatory perspective. The principal focus is the project cycle: identification, feasibility and design, appraisal, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Participants will be involved in critical analysis of various projects in developing countries. The subject will also review some of the recent debates relating to development theories, policies and practice. Participants will be familiarized with management tools such as Logical Framework Analysis and various participatory approaches to collecting information.

Research Methods for Development

This subject will focus on research methods as they apply to development work and an understanding of the various stages of research. formulation of research questions and hypotheses and identifying the most appropriate and feasible approaches to data collection and analysis. the communication and reporting of results. identifying ethical concerns. and how to develop skills in reflexivity. Particular attention will be placed on research techniques including participant observation, interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, action and participatory research techniques, case studies, and the use of secondary and other data sources. It will conclude with a discussion of the cross-cultural context, use of local knowledge and how best to represent and reflect the needs of participants.

Social Impact Assessment and Evaluation

This subject develops the skills to understand and assess the social impacts of development, including international development projects, resource management, and planning proposals.

Social Policy and Development

This subject investigates the linkage between social policy and development (including economic development) within developing countries. It focuses on the roles played by states, markets and communities in the Asia-Pacific region in responding to key social policy issues such as poverty and welfare, unemployment, old age, health, disability, and the socio-economic position of women. The subject examines how different developing countries attempt to instigate social policy-related change via rational policy formation and implementation, public sector and community leadership, economic-driven change (such as micro-finance schemes), and working with international investment from firms, aid donors and NGOs. Elements of the subject will be presented in conjunction with the Universitas Indonesia and Gadjah Mada Universitas.

Understanding Development

This subject forms an introduction to the main past and current theories of development, involving the approaches of several social science disciplines. It also considers many of the major issues in development, including the environment, gender, human rights, globalisation, governance, non-governmental organisations, poverty, and trade. Students should become familiar with the relationship between theories of development and development practice. The subject seeks to foster skills in critical thinking, communication, and group work.