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Department of Pacific Affairs · ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
This course explores the links between gender, violence, and development in Melanesia and the Pacific. We introduce and critically examine concepts of violence – especially those used by development practitioners – and their usefulness for the region. Each week, we look at pressing development issues in the region such as poverty and economic empowerment, political participation and human rights, sorcery and religious beliefs, rapid cultural change, urban migration, and health challenges, and we ask about the relationship of violence and gender to these challenges. This course encourages students to ask questions such as, are development problems the source or the outcome of violence (or both)? How do men and women feature differently in violence and its effects? How are different groups and actors in the region trying to address violence and its effects? Our frames of reference for examining the links between gender, violence, and development include the state, the family, the village, and the urban neighbourhood in Melanesia and the Pacific. We draw on the extensive academic and applied expertise of researchers in the ANU’s State, Society and Governance in Melanesia program. The course is meant for postgraduate students as well as practitioners interested in gender, development and violence in the region and beyond.
Class Participation: Based on overall student contributions to in-class and online discussions, particularly assessing their knowledge of the readings. Each student will also be asked to lead at least one class discussion of the weekly readings.
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Literature Review: Students are asked to select a theme or topic and provide a 1,500 word review of three key readings on that theme. These readings may be selected from the required readings or other literature in consultation with the lecturer. The literature review should be concise and accessible, and provide a critical analysis of the selected articles. This assessment will be undertaken mid-way through the course.
Learning outcomes 2, 3
Case Study Paper and Class Presentation: At the end of the course, students will write a 3,000 word essay that focuses on a thematic or policy issue related to the course that brings together the issues of gender and violence related to a development problem. They will be expected to review the relevant literature to critically analyse key arguments, and demonstrate their understanding of what sort(s) of violence are apparent, how gender plays into the problem, and assess if/how development practices or policies are contributing to the issue at hand. Students must consult with the course convenor before commencing the project. Assignments will be graded on the basis of analytical content, scholarly rigour, clarity of expression, and accessibility and persuasiveness of the class presentation.
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, both interactive/seminar based and independent research. The course comprises a maximum of 6k words of assessment or the equivalent
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