Overview
A critical study of major rural and urban development issues and problems in developing countries.
The paper provides a wide-ranging introduction to development and change across the African continent. Environmental, political, economic and social patterns and processes are considered and future development strategies are critically evaluated.
About this paper
| Paper title | Transformations in Developing Countries |
|---|---|
| Subject | Geography |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- GEOG 102 or 108 points
- Restriction
- GEOG 382
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Eligibility
- The content of the paper assumes that students have undertaken at least one introductory paper at University that covers related topics.
- Contact
- geography@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View further information about GEOG 212
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinators : Professor J A (Tony) Binns
- Paper Structure
Part 1 Introduction:
- Introduction to the course
- Africa's diversity
- Africa's historical record
Part 2 Rural Africa:
- Rural Livelihoods
- Pastoralism
- Wetlands and irrigation
Part 3 Urban Africa:
- Patterns and processes in African urbanisation
Part 4 Key Issues:
- Conflict and post-conflict
- Famine and famine relief
- Health and welfare
Part 5 Urban Africa:
- Development strategies
- Local economic development
- African Union and regional collaboration
- Future development priorities
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures per week and five 50-minute tutorials scheduled over the 13 weeks of semester.
- Textbooks
Binns, T., Dixon, A. and Nel, E. (2012) Africa: Diversity and Development. London, Routledge, ISBN: 978-0-415-41368-8.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Communication, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- An understanding of the key concepts in development
- An appreciation of the physical and human diversity in Africa
- An understanding of the development challenges facing Africa in the 21st century
- An ability to evaluate development problems and processes in Africa using a wide range of primary and secondary materials.
- Assessment details
Assessment is 60% internal (on-going during the semester) and 40% external (final examination).
Overview
A critical study of major rural and urban development issues and problems in developing countries.
The paper provides a wide-ranging introduction to development and change across the African continent. Environmental, political, economic and social patterns and processes are considered and future development strategies are critically evaluated.
About this paper
| Paper title | Transformations in Developing Countries |
|---|---|
| Subject | Geography |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2027 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- GEOG 102 or 108 points
- Restriction
- GEOG 382
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Eligibility
The content of the paper assumes that students have undertaken at least one introductory paper at the university that covers related topics.
- Contact
- geography@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinators : Emeritus Professor J A (Tony) Binns and Professor Etienne Nel
- Paper Structure
Part 1-Introduction:
- Introduction to the course
- Africa's diversity
- Africa's historical record
Part 2-Rural Africa:
- Rural Livelihoods
- Pastoralism
- Wetlands and irrigation
Part 3-Urban Africa:
- Patterns and processes in African urbanisation
Part 4-Key Issues:
- Conflict and post-conflict
- Famine and famine relief
- Health and welfare
Part 5-Urban Africa:
- Development strategies
- Local economic development
- African Union and regional collaboration
- Future development priorities
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures per week and five 50-minute tutorials scheduled over the 13 weeks of semester.
- Textbooks
Binns, T., Dixon, A. and Nel, E. (2012). Africa: Diversity and Development. London, Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-41368-8
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Communication, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- An understanding of the key concepts in development.
- An appreciation of the physical and human diversity in Africa.
- An understanding of the development challenges facing Africa in the 21st century.
- An ability to evaluate development problems and processes in Africa using a wide range of primary and secondary materials.
- Assessment details
Assessment is 60% internal (ongoing during the semester) and 40% external (final examination).