Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Adopting an applied perspective, this unit introduces students to the range of professional contexts engaged in contemporary international development practice. The core focus is on what it means to do development, in a variety of different contexts, and what knowledge and skills a development practitioner needs to have to address real challenges encountered in the field. It introduces students to key actors in international development and the working cultures of large development institutions (e.g. World Bank, UN organisations; non-government development agencies; aid/relief organisations; aid celebrities, and development academics. This exploration is set against theoretical perspectives that inform values, assumptions, rationales and ethics underpinning development practice. Students critically reflect on their own position in development and develop self-reflexive, technical and communication skills required for professionals working in international development, regional planning, and humanitarian aid.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face Not available in 2025 Online Online timetabled - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) articulate the roles in and approaches to development practice, including old and new actors and institutions in the development industry; (2) critically assess the differences between different approaches to development practice, and embedded opportunities and pitfalls; (3) demonstrate how diverse theoretical perspectives of development practice lead to alternative and competing behaviours and actions; and (4) apply reflexive, technical,and communication strategies to address particular challenges and novel ways of doing development in practice.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) seminar presentation; (2) analytical assessments (reading and blogging logs); and (3) critical essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Linda Robson
- Contact hours
- lectures/in-class workshops: 5 hours per week (for 9 weeks)
reading/ researching/writing: 13 hours per week (for 8 weeks)
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.