121-516 Gender Issues in Development

Admission to postgraduate studies or fourth year honours in development.

This subject will focus on feminist engagements with development theory. Case studies will consider the place of women and men in rural social orders, the relationship between gender, the environment and ethnicity, the gendered dimensions of governance and civil society, and the connection between changes in the world economic system and the social construction of masculinity, femininity, and gender specific roles in the former colonial world. Discussions will focus on the relationship between feminist actions and critiques and the practices of development agencies, international organisations, non-government organisations, state level actors, and local and global financial interests. Students who complete this subject should be familiar with theories of development and feminist critiques; and be able to apply these perspectives to contemporary issues involving development agencies and their practices.

• demonstrate a high degree of conceptual and analytical skills;

• be able to work on team-based projects requiring coordination and negotiation skills;

• be able to write project design reports for development agencies;

• be able to engage in appraisal of development projects;

• demonstrate an understanding of cultural issues in the development process;

• be able to undertake evaluation of development projects;

• be able to apply fieldwork techniques and social survey methods in cross-cultural settings;

• be able to organise participatory activities associated with development work.

Written reports totalling 5000 words, comprising a 3500 word essay 60% (due late September), a 750 word proposal for the essay 15% (due mid semester), a 750 word presentation of one article or topic combined with leading the seminar discussion of that presentation 15% (due mid semester), and attendance and participation 10%.