Course Outline

DEV706 Economic Development & Sustainable Livelihoods

Course Coordinator:Kathryn English (kenglish@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2023Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

You will learn about factors influencing the pace and quality of growth in developing countries includes: factor endowments; population growth; trade and investment; capital and national savings; agriculture and rural poverty and the process of industrialisation. The course takes a critical look at adequacy of neo-classical explanations of economic growth and examines if globalisation, debt reduction interventions and international trade rules are helping the world’s poor. The course uses tools and techniques including cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria assessment methods and scenario analysis.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – 3 hour on campus workshop 3hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

  1. Principles and concepts of development
  2. Principles and concepts of sustainability and sustainable development
  3. Factors of growth
  4. Macroeconomic aspects of development
  5. Microeconomic factors of development
  6. Sustainable Livelihood approaches
  7. Sustainable Livelihoods framework (SLF)
  8. Community engagement components (for engagement proposal using the SLF)

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Synthesise complex information regarding macro and micro-economic development strategies and interventions, the influence of national and international institutions and policies and the role of resource endowments on development trajectories. Creative and critical thinker
2 Use economic tools to investigate the causal links between environmental, social and economic factors such as sustainable livelihoods, modernization and dependency processes and how these impact on poverty, consumption, community development, and governance. Sustainability-focussed
3 Evaluate the costs and benefits of a development infrastructure proposal with reference to economic, social and environmental outcomes. Sustainability-focussed

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in Program AR700

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

ENS760

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early and ongoing feedback will be provided by reviewing exemplars and discussing model answers or explanations to questions or tasks; discussing report topics in class; and receiving verbal comments and guidance from the instructor either to individuals or to the class about academic progress relevant to the assessment.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Oral Individual 40%
15-20 minutes
Week 7 In Class
All 2 Oral Individual 20%
10-15 minutes
Week 11 In Class
All 3 Written Piece Individual 40%
3000 - 4000 words
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Country development profile
Goal:
Through this task you will master the process of identifying the determinants of economic development for low-income countries, characterising the current state of development, identifying barriers and opportunities for sustainable development.
Product: Oral
Format:
Individual oral presentation that uses slides,  images and text.  Must meet criteria and be between 15-20 minutes in length.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Format, style and presentation, including graphics and structure
1
2
Strength of arguments, analysis and reasoning:
1 2
3
Scope and quality of background research and references
1
All - Assessment Task 2:Local development project
Goal:
This task has been designed to develop your competency in the assessment of sustainable livelihood approaches used by international development practitioners to evaluate the economic, social and environmental outcomes of a local sustainable livelihood project for economic development.
Product: Oral
Format:
Oral Presentation in class in Week 11
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Format, style and presentation, including a synthesis of complex information, with graphics and structure
1
2
Conclusions and recommendations
1 2
3
Scope and quality of background research and references​​
1 2 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Local development project
Goal:
This task has been designed to develop your competency in the assessment of sustainable livelihood approaches used by international development practitioners to evaluate the economic, social and environmental outcomes of a local sustainable livelihood project for economic development.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Written Report
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Synthesis of complex information
1
2
Conclusions and recommendations
1 2
3
Scope and quality of background research and references
1 2 3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Information regarding prescribed texts or other associated resources will be made available on the Canvas site prior to commencement of study

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au