There is a growing recognition by both public and private sector employers that we are living in an era when societies around the globe are increasingly interconnected economically, politically and culturally. Because of the broad understanding of non-Western societies and global development issues, students who have undertaken a Development Studies Major have much to offer. The major begins in first year with two core topics. Development Studies 1B provides a broad introduction to social and cultural issues in Third World development, focusing on contemporary themes such as human and collective rights, constructions of gender, changing traditions and identities, and social welfare. In second year, the core topic Sustainable Development explores the nexus between environment and development and discusses broader issues of sustainability in a rapidly changing world.
Students select a second topic from a list of electives.
The third year core topic is Theories of Development which introduces a field of competing approaches to development. Students also select one elective. Those successfully completing the major can go on to do an Honours year. Year 12 applicants must have qualified for SACE and obtained Recorded Achievement in at least five two-unit SACE Stage 2 subjects. There are no prerequisites.