Students

GEOP215 – Geographies of Development

2018 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Sara Fuller
W3A 414
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ENVG111 or GEOS111 or GEOP111
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides a geographical perspective on social, cultural, economic, political and environmental development. Students are introduced to case studies from around the world and are encouraged to critically evaluate the process and practice of development while also drawing out hopeful opportunities for the future. The unit is structured around four key themes, each providing a different viewpoint on contemporary development. It first introduces the concept of the Global South and considers a range of theoretical approaches to development. It then explores the global and local dynamics of development – in political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental terms – by examining historical and contemporary processes of globalisation as well as the everyday geographies and diversity of life in the Global South. Finally, the unit reviews a range of policy interventions and considers the role of different actors in responding to development challenges and addressing global inequalities.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of international development issues at a variety of scales from global to local drawing on evidence from regions around the world.
  • Critically assess the concept of development, and the range of theories and approaches to development geography.
  • Interrelate theory and concepts in development studies with contemporary change processes that are taking place in a range of regional contexts.
  • Communicate effectively and present an argument in written and verbal forms.
  • Demonstrate research skills by evaluating and synthesising information from a variety of sources

General Assessment Information

Assignment requirements and submission

Detailed requirements and marking rubrics for each assessment are available from the iLearn site. All written assignments should be submitted online to Turnitin via the relevant links provided in iLearn. You are not required to submit a hardcopy of any assignments or include a cover sheet.

Assessment extensions and late penalties

Circumstances that affect your ability to complete assignments by the deadline must be discussed with the convenor (Sara) prior to the due date. Extensions will be granted only in unforeseen or exceptional circumstances according to the University Special Consideration policy. Students must apply online via AskMQ and provide appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate).

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. 

Assessment feedback

All feedback for assignments will be made available online. The grade will be in the form of a letter as consistent with University policy (HD, D, Cr, P, F) alongside written feedback. Assessment feedback will be returned within 3 weeks.

Online participation

External students are required to participate in online tutorial discussions and activities throughout the semester based on the required readings, and prepare a 'virtual presentation' based on a specific case study. More details about the online participation component of the unit is available on iLearn. There are 12 online tutorials scheduled for the semester and failure to make online postings for at least 10 tutorials will result in a deduction of marks. If you are unable to make an online contribution please contact the convenor. You will be required to present supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificates).

Exams

Details of University exam conditions and exam timetables can be found at https://students.mq.edu.au/study/exams-and-results. It is important to note that the final exam period includes weekdays and weekends and all students (including international exchange students) are expected to present themselves for the GEOP215 exam at the time and place designated in the exam timetable. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the exams and in Final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the exams.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online participation 20% No Ongoing
Review Essay 15% No Mon 27th Aug (midnight)
Research essay 35% No Mon 22nd Oct (midnight)
Exam 30% No Exam period

Online participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Online participation is comprised of two elements: a) active participation in online discussions and activities throughout semester based on assigned readings and b) a 'virtual presentation' based on a specific case study.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of international development issues at a variety of scales from global to local drawing on evidence from regions around the world.
  • Critically assess the concept of development, and the range of theories and approaches to development geography.
  • Interrelate theory and concepts in development studies with contemporary change processes that are taking place in a range of regional contexts.
  • Communicate effectively and present an argument in written and verbal forms.
  • Demonstrate research skills by evaluating and synthesising information from a variety of sources

Review Essay

Due: Mon 27th Aug (midnight)
Weighting: 15%

Length: 1000 words

Write a review essay using only the readings provided. The essay should identify and explain what you think are the most important aspects of development.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of international development issues at a variety of scales from global to local drawing on evidence from regions around the world.
  • Critically assess the concept of development, and the range of theories and approaches to development geography.
  • Communicate effectively and present an argument in written and verbal forms.

Research essay

Due: Mon 22nd Oct (midnight)
Weighting: 35%

Length: 2500 words

Write a formal essay in response to one of the questions provided. Your essay should construct a coherent argument in response to the question, provide evidence based on rigorous research to back up each point, and utilise a case study (or studies).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of international development issues at a variety of scales from global to local drawing on evidence from regions around the world.
  • Critically assess the concept of development, and the range of theories and approaches to development geography.
  • Interrelate theory and concepts in development studies with contemporary change processes that are taking place in a range of regional contexts.
  • Communicate effectively and present an argument in written and verbal forms.
  • Demonstrate research skills by evaluating and synthesising information from a variety of sources

Exam

Due: Exam period
Weighting: 30%

A compulsory two hour examination in the end-of-semester examination period. It will examine your grasp of material provided across the unit, including readings, lectures, tutorials and assessment tasks.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of international development issues at a variety of scales from global to local drawing on evidence from regions around the world.
  • Critically assess the concept of development, and the range of theories and approaches to development geography.
  • Interrelate theory and concepts in development studies with contemporary change processes that are taking place in a range of regional contexts.
  • Communicate effectively and present an argument in written and verbal forms.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

External students complete the entire unit online. Each week there is a 2 hour lecture (Wednesday 10-12) which will be recorded and made available online alongside the powerpoint slides from the lecture. As each lecture builds on previous content and provides background material for the online tutorial discussions, there is an expectation that external students will keep up to date with lecture content.

Required and recommended reading

Required reading

The core text for this unit is:

  • Williams, G., Meth., P and Willis, K. (2014) Geographies of Developing Areas: The Global South in a Changing World. London: Routledge (2nd edition)

Access to this text is essential for completing the requirements of this unit. The best option is to purchase the text but copies are also available in the Library. In addition there are a range of journal articles and chapters that are required reading for tutorials. These will be listed on iLearn and available via MultiSearch.

Recommended reading

In addition to the core text, the texts listed below provide information on many of the general themes covered in the unit. Copies can be found in the Library.

  • Desai, V. and Potter, RB. (eds) (2014) The companion to development studies, London: Hodder Arnold (3rd Edition)
  • Potter, RB., Conway, D., Evans R. and Lloyd-Evans, S. (2012) Key concepts in development geography, Sage: London.
  • Potter, RB., Binns, T., Elliott, JA. and Smith, D. (2008) Geographies of Development: An introduction to development studies. Essex: Pearson Education. (3rd Edition)
  • Willis, K. (2011) Theories and Practices of Development. London: Routledge. (2nd Edition)

The below text is also a helpful resource and is available in the library:

  • Hay, I. (2012) Communicating in Geography and the Environmental Sciences. Melbourne: Oxford University Press (4th Edition).

Technology used and required

All enrolled students have access to the GEOP215 website via iLearn. iLearn will provide access to lectures (powerpoint presentations for download and recordings through the University's echo360 lecture recording facility) as well as readings, links and forum discussions. Regular access to iLearn is required in order to complete the requirements of the unit.

During the semester, a number of 'virtual tutorials' will be arranged. These will function like a discussion forum but in real time and will provide an opportunity for external students to ask questions/discuss issues relating to the unit, and get an immediate response. They are optional and will be scheduled at key points of the unit (e.g. in the run up to assessments and exams) and held in the evening. The dates and times will be announced on iLearn.

Unit Schedule

Week Date Lecture Tutorial and Assessment
Module 1: Introducing the Global South
1 1st Aug Development geography and the Global South No tutorial- online introductions
2 8th Aug Approaches to development Tutorial: Representing the Global South
Module 2: The South in a global world
3 15th Aug A changing world order Tutorial: Legacies of colonialism
4 22nd Aug

A globalising economy

Tutorial: Globalisation and the environment

5 29th Aug Social and cultural change

Review essay due Mon 27th Aug

Tutorial: Urbanisation and informality

6 5th Sept Global environmental change Tutorial: Climate justice
Module 3: Living in the South
7 12th Sept Political lives (Guest lecture: A/Prof Andrew McGregor) Tutorial: Activism and resistance
Learning and Teaching Break 17th-28th Sept
8 3rd Oct Ways of living Tutorial: Online presentations
9 10th Oct Making a living Tutorial: Livelihood strategies and the diverse economy
Module 4: Making a difference
10 17th Oct Governing development

Tutorial: Aid and good governance

11 24th Oct Markets and development

Research essay due Mon 22nd Oct

Tutorial: Fair trade and ethical consumption

12 31st Oct Grassroots development

Tutorial: Participation and civil society

13 7th Nov Unit overview Tutorial: Exam revision
Exam period 12th-30th Nov

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of international development issues at a variety of scales from global to local drawing on evidence from regions around the world.
  • Critically assess the concept of development, and the range of theories and approaches to development geography.
  • Interrelate theory and concepts in development studies with contemporary change processes that are taking place in a range of regional contexts.

Assessment tasks

  • Online participation
  • Review Essay
  • Research essay
  • Exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of international development issues at a variety of scales from global to local drawing on evidence from regions around the world.
  • Critically assess the concept of development, and the range of theories and approaches to development geography.
  • Interrelate theory and concepts in development studies with contemporary change processes that are taking place in a range of regional contexts.

Assessment tasks

  • Online participation
  • Review Essay
  • Research essay
  • Exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critically assess the concept of development, and the range of theories and approaches to development geography.
  • Interrelate theory and concepts in development studies with contemporary change processes that are taking place in a range of regional contexts.
  • Demonstrate research skills by evaluating and synthesising information from a variety of sources

Assessment tasks

  • Online participation
  • Review Essay
  • Research essay
  • Exam

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Communicate effectively and present an argument in written and verbal forms.
  • Demonstrate research skills by evaluating and synthesising information from a variety of sources

Assessment tasks

  • Online participation
  • Review Essay
  • Research essay
  • Exam

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Interrelate theory and concepts in development studies with contemporary change processes that are taking place in a range of regional contexts.

Assessment tasks

  • Online participation
  • Research essay
  • Exam