Australian Catholic University
Course Information:
DVST100 - Introduction to International Development Studies
10 credits-Undergraduate
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This is the foundational specified unit for the Bachelor of International Development Studies, as well as an elective or minor unit for those students choosing to undertake International Development as part of the Bachelor of Arts. Professional work in the development sector requires graduates who are knowledgeable about the institutions and contexts that surround development issues in the Global South.
This unit introduces key thinkers, concepts and theories in the evolution of international development as it affects the Global South ("Third World"). Development will be examined from historical, political, social and economic perspectives, but there will be an emphasis on an ethical approach in line with the University's Mission. Using case studies and voices from NGO practitioners, the unit considers issues such as gender, sustainable development, contemporary humanitarian practice, Australia's aid and development program, the role of NGOs and the United Nations system, culture and First Nations peoples' responses.
The aim of this unit is to introduce key ideas, theories and issues in development studies. These ideas are expanded on in subsequent units.
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DVST101 - Humanitarian Work and Development Aid
10 credits-Undergraduate
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This is a foundational specified unit for the Bachelor of International Development Studies, as well as an elective or minor unit for those students choosing to undertake International Development as part of the Bachelor of Arts. Humanitarian work has a history marked by ineffective and sometimes damaging interventions by ‘donor’ nations. This unit provides students with foundational knowledge around development aid and develops skills in evaluating the impacts of aid programs to underpin professional work in the development sector.
This unit expands on the key ideas, theories and issues introduced in DVST100: Introduction to International Development Studies and will give students a good understanding of the key issues in humanitarian action, and how they affect developing countries. The focus will be on both complex emergencies arising out of conflict, natural disasters, and resulting issues including human rights, gender and the effect on communities, families and children. The unit will cover topics such as international, local and community humanitarian responses, the role of the UN, International NGOs, local NGOs, bilateral and government agencies. The subject will use case studies from the Pacific, East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
The aim of this unit is to examine the evolution of development practice by exploring civil society, private sector and government aid delivery. This unit introduces key ideas and issues which will be expanded in subsequent units such as DVST205 Peace and Development
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DVST200 - Refugees and Forced Migration
10 credits-Undergraduate
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This is a specified unit for the Bachelor of International Development Studies, building on skills and knowledge from 100-level units. Government and non-Government aid and development organisations routinely work with refugees and asylum seekers. A knowledge of the issues surrounding forced migration is needed by aid workers to support effective professional practice.
This unit investigates the historical roots and underlying causes of forced migration. By examining the ethical and legal issues involved, this unit considers the impact upon vunerable i individuals and the displaced communities including children and young people, as well as the implications for the wider society. The unit will further examine forced migration in the light of gendered experiences, the experience of children and young people, psychosocial responses, identity and citizenship.
The aim of this unit is to help students to develop an understanding of the current literature on refugees and forced migration, while developing critical thinking and evaluative skills. |
DVST303 - Advocacy and Policy Development
10 credits-Undergraduate
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This is a specified unit for the Bachelor of International Development Studies and is available as an elective unit or as part of a minor sequence in the Bachelor of Arts. The development sector requires professionals skilled in advocacy strategies.
This unit explores different modes of advocacy. Advocacy is a strategic method for achieving positive social change through persuasion and diplomacy, trust and relationship building, education and information, use of communication and media, and strategic partnership. Effective advocacy is one of the pillars of humanitarian efforts and responses conducted before and after crises and in situations of protracted vulnerability, suffering or conflict. In these situations development practitioners try to influence the policies and actions of local, national, regional and international institutions and actors so that they better address the unique challenges faced by communities. This usually includes working to ensure that humanitarian responses are appropriate to community needs and rights, and that they respect humanitarian principles. It can also mean seeking to tackle some of the underlying causes of humanitarian suffering. The unit includes advocating for children and vulnerable adults.
This unit will explore how to develop and implement advocacy strategies and policy in international and humanitarian settings. In particular it will explore using humanitarian principles and international law as tools for humanitarian advocacy. |
Program Information:
National School of the Arts
Degree and Certificate InformationDegrees
Degree/
Level | Title/
English Correspondence | Subject | Credit Hours | Working
Language | History |
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International Development Studies
Undergraduate |
Bachelors International Development Studies |
International Development NGO |
240 |
English |
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No certificates listed.
Information on Training and Other Services
Additional InformationThis degree combines units that offer local and historical knowledge of specific geographic areas of the developing world, with units that explore transnational dimensions of development. This combination of subject matter enables students to gain knowledge of the planning, implementation and consequences of political and economic change, particularly the uneven effects of development policies on communities. Students will also gain knowledge of the macro and micro sociological forces, including social movements that have impacted historically on political, economic, cultural and ecological conditions, resulting in extreme poverty, poor health, fragile governance, inequality and environmental vulnerability. The degree grounds students in qualitative and quantitative research methods, providing them with the skills and knowledge to be able to determine appropriate strength-based capacity building approaches, and to identify economic inclusion strategies that promote economic opportunities for marginalised communities.
The Bachelor of International Development Studies degree is located within the discipline area of ‘development studies’, which is an interdisciplinary branch of social science. The discipline area of development studies draws from a range of disciplines, particularly: anthropology, sociology, political science, human geography, environmental science, history and economics.
The main objective of the degree is to provide students with the knowledge, critical perspectives understanding and skills needed for competent, compassionate, ethical and professional engagement with communities in the developing world. ACU BIDS graduates have a strong commitment to the common good and respect for the dignity of the human person.
During the course students will gain hands-on experience in an international humanitarian or development program through the compulsory Immersion Experience unit.
In addition to development theory and practice, students will study:
global health
human rights law and practice
global change and development
strategic management, people management
peace and development
environmental sustainability
research methodologies for development projects.
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