Development Studies

This course offers students an introduction to the field of development studies. It explores core concepts about ‘development’ and its real-world applications. . Along with an introduction to international development institutions, topics covered include colonialism and its legacies, Indigenous people, gender and development, environment and climate change, food insecurity, human rights and diversity, human displacement and migration, and economic relations. Discussion of these topics will be situated in the context of local, national and global case studies. Three credits.

An introduction to development theory and practice as it applies to inequality between countries, and within countries of the Global South. The course provides students with a critical analytical framework for understanding and evaluating development theories, policies, programs, trends, and impacts, especially since the formation of the Bretton Woods institutions. Students will explore the concepts of sustainable development and of social and economic justice as they relate to global development. Prerequisite: DEVS 101, or 24 credits, or permission of the co-ordinator. Three credits.

In this course, Canada’s path to development, and the challenges it currently faces will be explored. These include Canada’s current economy and how it is rapidly changing, its colonial history and the ramifications of that history, including for indigenous peoples and racialized communities, and the persistence of social, economic, and geographic inequalities that raise questions about the distribution of the benefits of development, the challenge of sustainability, given the stresses Canada place on the global physical and social environment, and the country’s changing demographics and its implications, including the role of migration and refugees. Prerequisite: DEVS 101, or 24 credits, or permission of the co-ordinator. Three credits.

Conducted from a global perspective, this course is intended for students who wish to broaden their understanding of the present and future impacts of climate change on societies, including the social justice elements of the issues. The course also focuses on the interventions that are being made to combat the impacts of climate change – from global policies to community-level actions. Students will be equipped to articulate the world-wide impacts of climate change, how it impacts people at a community level, and how citizen led action can lead to positive change. Cross-listed as CLEN 201. Prerequisite: CLEN 101, or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

Beginning with theories of local and community economic development and welfare, this course provides an economic analysis of community needs and resources (human resources, capital and natural resources, infrastructure). Students will examine interactions within the community and between the community and the outside world, exploring approaches to local and community economic development and planning. Cross-listed as ECON 211. Three credits.

The course analyzes the forces affecting the globalization process, its evolution over time, and its impacts on development. It takes a broad view, from an interdisciplinary perspective, of the factors at work, their nature and their consequences. Topics considered include the fact and policy dimensions of globalization, questions that pertain to equity and fairness, issues concerning production, consumption, global markets, governance, and the role of various international institutions. It also analyzes the mechanisms linking the global to the local level. Prerequisites: DEVS 201, 202 or ECON 101, 102. Three credits.

The course considers the interrelationship of social, economic, and ecological considerations that pertain globalization processes that impact development. The course is grounded in theoretical consideration of the central role consumption plays in globalization, markets, ecological crises, and (in)equity. It provides an interdisciplinary analysis of such issues as: local and global markets, 00, ecological stability, the significance of power, culture, norms, and various stakeholders in how consumption impacts sustainable and equitable development. It looks at particular initiatives including gender and the garment industry, boycotts, and child labour. Prerequisites: DEVS 201, 202 or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

Starting with an overview of the present state of the world, this course explores economic development strategies and prospects . Topics include perspectives on economic development; poverty and inequality; past and present theories of growth; alternate approaches to economic development; models of development and underdevelopment; population growth; rapid urbanization, rural-urban migration and the informal economy. Cross-listed as ECON 305. Three credits.

This course provides an overview of the most pressing issues and problems facing present day developing countries. Topics include education and health in economic development; rural development and agricultural transformation; the environment and its impact on development; development policymaking and the roles of markets, state and civil society; international trade, globalization and development; foreign aid and MNCs; and fiscal policy for development. Cross-listed as ECON 306. Prerequisites: ECON 101, 102. Three credits.

In this seminar course, students make the link between theoretical discussion of development and actual development practice, both locally and internationally. An in-class component addresses the practicalities of development interventions and the major issues that affect them, such as: gender/ethnic/class stratification; power relations within and between localities and external agents; and indigenous versus dominant forms of knowledge. Student will then apply this in an experiential learning component in a local or international context. Prerequisites: DEVS 201, 202; or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

This course will examine a number of ways to understand what gender and development mean, and the ways in which the two intersect. For instance, the course will explore such questions as, how can thinking intersectionally change the practices of development and of international institutions of development?; and, how local and gendered actors respond to development policies? This course shows the significance of feminist movements to development and a gender-sensitive turn in development policies. Sub-themes in the course include women and work, gender and health, empowerment, environment, sustainable development, and others. Credits will be granted for only one of DEVS 315 and DEVS 391(ST: Gender and Development). Cross-listed as WMGS 315. Prerequisite: WMGS 100 or DEVS 201 and 202. Three credits.

This course critically examines how development policy and practice have affected target populations. Students will develop critical analytical skills and knowledge by examining the strengths and weaknesses of strategies such as those promoting popular participation, gender equality, small-scale business, local knowledge and democratic reform, as well as of different forms of development institutions. The course uses case studies based on long-term, first-hand participant observation that place development processes in larger historical, political and economic contexts. Cross-listed as ANTH 320. Prerequisites: ANTH 111, 112 or DEVS 201, 202. Three credits. Offered every year.

The context, models, trends, opportunities, and challenges associated with social entrepreneurship focus on areas of public concern such as economic development, education, community welfare, and healthcare. These issues are examined using case studies, group projects, and experiential learning. Emphasis is on how entrepreneurship is combined with the tools of business to create effective responses to social needs and innovative solutions to social problems. Credit will be granted for only one of BSAD 352 or BSAD 457. Cross-listed as BSAD 352. Prerequisite: DEVS 201, 202. Three credits.

This course examines the state’s supremacy and its capacity to manage such global issues as: transnational flows of goods, services, money, and ideas; the phenomenon of failed states in the post-Cold War period; global environmental issues; weapons proliferation; terrorism and other forms of transnational crime; and the rise of transnational social activist groups. Cross-listed as PSCI 355.Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102(100) and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200-level (251/252 recommended) or DEVS 201, 202. Three credits.

Countries in the developing world face a distinct set of political challenges, particularly as they relate to fostering economic growth and providing effective public services. This course will explore the political determinants of development as well as the effect of economic conditions on political outcomes. Key issues include the origins of state weakness, the relationship between political institutions and economic growth, the causes of corruption, and the effect of diversity on governance outcomes. Credit will be granted for only one of DEVS 371 or DEVS 370. Cross-listed as PSCI 371. Prerequisites: PSCI 100 or PSCI 101, 102 or DEVS 201, 202. Three credits.

This seminar takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of theories that have shaped the conceptualization and practice of development around the world. The seminar focuses on current versions of general development theories such as: modernization, structuralism, Marxism, dependency theory, neoclassical and neoliberal theory, alternative development, and post-development. Examples of current theories that focus on key development issues are also covered. Prerequisites: DEVS 201, 202. Three credits.

This seminar is an examination of community-based development. It explores and evaluates strategies, practices and techniques used to strengthen people’s capacity to build sustainable livelihoods, and examines the role of different agencies (e.g. local citizens, government, non-government organizations, and the private sector) in stimulating development at the community level. The course will include development strategies used in the Global South and practices used in Canada, especially Atlantic Canada. Prerequisites: DEVS 201, 202. Three credits.

This internship builds on DEVS 311. Students may extend their placement from 311 or undertake a new posting. The class will be largely experiential. Students will be required to blog regularly, to submit critical reflection papers, to produce a research product of use to their host organization, to make an oral presentation and to submit a final written report. Students will do their internship during the spring and summer before their senior year and complete this course in the fall term of their senior year. Prerequisite: DEVS 311 and permission of the instructor. Three credits.

Students will work under the supervision of a faculty member who guides the selection of a thesis topic, use of resources, research methodology, and quality of analysis. Restricted to honours students. Six credits.