How to Change the World: Practicing Development

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
POLI 2005
Course ID icon
Course ID
200975
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of the course is to examine development practice from the perspective of bilateral donors such as DFAT/Australian Aid. It does this by exposing students to the process of program design and management. Using real-world program designs and evaluations, the course examines the multidisciplinary work that supports design efforts, including: (i) undertaking formative social, political and economic analysis; (ii) setting objectives; (iii) defining, monitoring activities; (iv) considering gender; (v) thinking about sustainability; and (vi) capturing the impacts associated with programs. The course is geared towards small group discovery, with numerous practical exercises geared towards building real-world international development skills.

Course learning outcomes

  • Build an in-depth knowledge of international development practice;
  • Build practical experience of applying development tools and methods to real-world problems;
  • Develop knowledge of project/program management processes;
  • Develop and apply critical thinking skills to development problems;
  • Develop skills in communication, collaborative enquiry and problem solving;
  • Foster an awareness of ethical, social, and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A