121-516 Gender Issues 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 organizations, non-government organizations, 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;

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

• write project design reports for development agencies;

• engage in appraisal of development projects;

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

• undertake evaluation of development projects;

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

Written reports totalling 5000 words, comprising of a final essay of 3500 words on a topic to be agreed upon with the lecturer, worth 60% (due late September), a proposal for the final essay of 750 words 15% (due mid semester), an informal presentation of one article or topic combined with leading the seminar in a discussion of that presentation of 750 words 15% and attendance and participation 10%.