This course examines policy and practice in development. It approaches development by looking at the factors that help or hinder social and economic development in the world, in particular in developing countries, the theoretical and practical response to facilitate development and overcome the constraints, and the outcomes of these responses.

There would be 12 lectures in total and one revision session. The lectures have three main parts. The first part provides an overview of the goals and key issues in development, and the changing methods of policy formation and practice.

The second part examines specific policies and practice that seek to overcome the barriers which keep some countries underdeveloped.The arrangement of the topics aim to provide you a step by step discussion which reflects the growing understanding of development. We first examine the traditional approach of reducing poverty and combating the consequences of inequality by aid and income redistribution. We then look at the more proactive approach of using economic policies to achieve economic growth. This will be followed by supporting policies such as migration and urban policies. The next lecture will study the relationship between social development and economic development. However, social development can face its own challenges, i.e. demographic changes and changing supporting culture at the household level.  Even if a country is experiencing economic and social development, the improvement may face bottlenecks imposed by institutions constraints. These constraints include unclear property right and the absence of the rule of law and democracy. Finally, we will look at the sustainability of development models in terms of environment and climate change.

The last part of the course first explores the roles and interactions of different actors in making and implementing policies. Finally, we will round up the term by discussing the idea of pathway (sequence) in development.

Each week’s session includes a 2.5 hour teaching time combining a lecture and a seminar. Lectures are interactive, outlining the key concepts and debates. Seminars cover the lecture topic of the previous week (please refer to the instruction in assessment 1). In the seminar, student presenters select real life examples to support their argument regarding the seminar questions. The presenters are expected to make use of theories or analytical frameworks discussed in the lecture in the previous week.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. learn about the key theoretical debates over the approaches to development and critically assess the relevant arguments.
2. be able to explain the role of actors in the development community and the way different aspects of development connect to and interact with each other.
3. be able to identify real life cases to carry out independent research and write an essay to offer structured criticism of the policies and practices concerned.

Assessment will include, seminar presentation (20%), a shorter paper (1500 words) (30%) and a longer paper (2500 words) (50%)

30 contact hours over 12 weeks with a one hour lecture and one and a half hours seminar-workshop each week.

Acceptance into the Master of Public Policy or a comparable program constitutes the formal eligibility requirement for enrolment in this course.

POGO 8095 is a compulsory course for students enrolled in the Master of Public Policy (specialising in Development Policy), and an elective course for all other Master of Public Policy students and students studying International and Development Economics, or Environmental Management and Development. Masters students enrolled in other degree programs who would like to take POGO 8095 as an elective are welcome, and are encouraged to contact the Course Lecturer before the semester commences. PhD students required to undertake coursework as part of their program have also found this course informative and useful.

There are no specific pre-requisite courses. Enthusiasm and willingness to explore issues that may be unfamiliar from earlier studies and work experience are highly desirable attributes for students enrolled in POGO 8095.

There are no prescribed texts. However depending upon availability and suitability, an especially topical contemporary book may be set. The cost of this book is always kept to a minimum by using a cheap hardcover or paperback edition. 

None

A select bibliography of books, articles and electronic sites is provided via the course Web CT site for all students enrolled in POGO 8095

Access to Web CT and on-line services of ANU and other Libraries

This course is also available for students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration course POGO 8072 Development Theories and Themes.