James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

EV5957 - Equitable Development and Social Change

Subject Description

This subject examines equitable and inclusive development. Through the examination of theoretical debates and case study analysis, students will critically engage with development ethics, and consider some of the leading causes of global inequalities. Attention will be given to power relations in development, the intersections of social and environmental justice, and the inter-linkages between development, impoverishment, marginalisation, vulnerability, and disadvantage. Students will gain new analytical reference points for evaluating key ethical questions surrounding the pursuit of development across a number of priority issues and sectors. They will learn how to examine the global development arena as a highly-complex and contested space of competing value claims, that are advanced by actors operating from different positions of power.

Learning Outcomes

• discuss the highly uneven and contested nature of global development priorities
• analyse power relations identified in different development issues and challenges
• report on and explain complex theoretical propositions relating to development ethics to specialist and non- specialist audiences
• appraise and critically reflect on one's personal positionality and performativity in contesting and reinforcing uneven and inequitable development outcomes
• employ acquired requisite conceptual knowledge in analysing and evaluating more equitable and sustainable development futures

Subject Assessment

• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Critical Analysis - (50%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities