Studying online
There are now 3 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Arguably, religion and development are inseparable because the ways people use land, distribute resources, and envision a good life are shaped by their broader views of the cosmos and their place within it. Since the axial age, moreover, religious traditions have addressed themselves to problems of injustice and inequality emergent in complex urban societies. Until recently, however, development studies has been an unabashedly secular field. In this unit, students query the secularity of modern ideologies of development, and examine the theories and practices of development embedded in major and minor religious traditions. They also examine the re-engagement between secular institutions focused on development and what have come to be known as 'faith-based organisations' (FBOs) and are often envisioned as better vehicles for service delivery than state institutions. In research essays and analytical essays, students apply theories of religion and development to bear on specific case studies drawn from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. In written and oral work, students examine the role of religion in development, considering the convergence and conflict between secular and spiritual means and ends.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2023 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Honours option in Political Science and International Relations [Bachelor of Arts (Honours)]
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) critically evaluate the conflicts and convergences among religious and secular approaches to development; (2) apply theories of religion and development to case studies; (3) discuss approaches to development and wellbeing in religious traditions; and (4) improve written and oral communication skills.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) an essay; (2) an analytical exercise; (3) an examination; and (4) participation. 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 Debra McDougall
- Unit rules
- Advisable prior study
- BP001 Bachelor of Arts (major in Anthropology and Sociology, Political Science, History)
- Contact hours
- seminars: 20 hours
- Texts
The following texts are indicative only:
Barnett, M. N. and Stein, J. G., eds Sacred Aid: Faith and Humanitarianism: OUP 2012
Benthall, J. and Bellion-Jourdan, J., eds The Charitable Crescent: Politics of Aid in the Muslim World: I. B. Tauris 2003
Clarke, M., ed. Handbook of Research on Development and Religion: Edger Elkin 2013
Marshall, K. Global Institutions of Religion: Ancient Movers, Modern Shakers: Routledge 2013
- 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.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
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.