Dear Students A popular buzzword prior to the examination is “scope”. Often, the volume of study material makes studying for the exam seem like a daunting task. However, if you have engaged with your study material, attended the weekly classes (or listened to the recordings), and participated in the discussion forums and e-tutor sites throughout the semester, exam preparation becomes smoother. Nonetheless, the word “examination” is often associated with tension and anxiety. To ease the exam preparation process, guidelines are provided below on what you need to focus on and understand from the different learning units in the study guide for DVA1501. You will be given a choice of THREE (3) essay-type questions. You must answer ANY ONE of them. Focus on the following: Learning unit 3 From this unit, you are required to know and understand: • Modernisation theory – its origins and what it entails. • Dependency theory – its origins and what it entails. • Human-centered development theories (Basic needs, Sen’s Capability Approach, Sustainable Development, Human Scale Development, Participatory Development, Development as positive change) – what each of these theories entail. • Post-Development Theory – its origins and what it entails. • Decolonial Theory – its origins and what it entails. Learning unit 4 From this unit, you are required to know and understand: • The concept of Sustainable Development and its three pillars. You must be able to define and discuss the concept. • The various approaches to sustainability and environmentalism viz: Ecocentrism, Technocentrism, Accommodation, Interventionists, Anthropocentrism. • Be able to identify one or more approaches that you support and provide justification for your choice/s. Learning unit 6 From this unit, you are required to know and understand: MAY/JUNE 2025: DVA1501 • The concepts of poverty and inequality. You must be able to define and discuss them. • The causes of poverty and inequality. You must be able to identify the various causes of poverty and inequality and how did these come about.

Question 1: What is Modernisation theory and its origins?

Modernisation theory originated in the mid-20th century, positing that societies progress through stages of development, transitioning from traditional to modern states through industrialization and economic growth.

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Question 2: What is Dependency theory and its origins?

Dependency theory emerged in the late 20th century, arguing that the economic development of poorer nations is hindered by their dependence on wealthier nations, leading to a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.

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Question 3: What are the key aspects of Human-centered development theories?

Human-centered development theories focus on improving individual well-being and capabilities, emphasizing approaches like Basic Needs, Sen’s Capability Approach, Sustainable Development, Human Scale Development, Participatory Development, and Development as positive change.

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Question 4: What is Post-Development Theory and its origins?

Post-Development Theory arose in the late 20th century, critiquing traditional development paradigms and advocating for alternative, locally-driven approaches that prioritize cultural context and community needs.

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Question 5: What is Decolonial Theory and its origins?

Decolonial Theory originated from postcolonial critiques, emphasizing the need to dismantle colonial power structures and promote knowledge systems that reflect indigenous perspectives and experiences.

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Question 6: What is Sustainable Development and its three pillars?

Sustainable Development is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations, encompassing three pillars: economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.

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Question 7: What are the various approaches to sustainability and environmentalism?

The various approaches include Ecocentrism, Technocentrism, Accommodation, Interventionists, and Anthropocentrism, each offering different perspectives on the relationship between humans and the environment.

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Question 8: What causes poverty and inequality?

Poverty and inequality are caused by factors such as economic disparities, lack of access to education and healthcare, systemic discrimination, and historical injustices, which perpetuate cycles of disadvantage.