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

NGOs (non-governmental organisations) have become increasingly important actors at the subnational, national and international levels, carrying out a range of complex governing tasks, such as setting standards for businesses, serving as 'watchdogs', providing assistance after natural disasters, mediating conflicts, and delivering development assistance. Their rise has gone hand-in-hand with the shift from government to governance, a trend that is evident in the growing prevalence of new modes of governance such as public–private partnerships. This unit considers the political impacts of NGOs' activities in governance and development. The unit conceptualises NGOs and their relationship to states, markets and institutions, and explores the variety of actors that are categorised as part of the non-governmental or 'third' sector, with their differing capacities and degrees of power. It examines the multilevel character of NGOs' activities across advocacy, service provision and regulation, and considers the political impacts of their activities through a range of case studies from across the globe.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand differing theoretical approaches to examining NGOs and their relationship with states, markets and institutions; (2) describe the characteristics of NGOs and their activities; (3) critically evaluate debates in the media as they relate to NGOs; and (4) research, develop and deliver critical analyses of the role of NGOs in governance and development.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) reading responses; (2) research essay; and (3) policy brief. 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)
Dr Ky Gentry
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
Bachelor of Arts (BP001) (major in Political Science and International Relations)
Contact hours
seminars: 18 hours
  • 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.