NOTE Also offered online, consult Arts and Science Online (Learning Hours may vary).
NOTE Also offered at Bader College, UK (Learning Hours may vary).
NOTE Also offered online, consult Arts and Science Online (Learning Hours may vary).
NOTE Also offered at Bader College, UK (Learning Hours may vary).
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Students expand their world-views by considering diverse forms of knowledge and analytical perspectives that can help us understand contemporary global change and challenges.
- Students engage in critical thinking by using interdisciplinary perspectives to explain a wide range of case studies.
- Students reflect on the opportunities and challenges involved in producing and disseminating knowledge about the world, with a focus on the opportunities and challenges to cross-cultural communication.
- Communicate effectively in written and oral format, with a focus on writing for different audiences and effective discussion and presentation strategies.
- Students acquire the foundational breadth of knowledge to pursue more advanced courses in global engagement.
NOTE Also offered online, consult Arts and Science Online (Learning Hours may vary).
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and explain social, political economic, and ecological axes of inequality in global development.
- Explain key themes in Canada’s role in global development.
- Apply critical thinking to case studies in class discussion and written assignments.
- Collaboratively develop and present strategies for addressing global problems.
- Communicate effectively in written and oral format, with a focus on classroom discussion and presentation strategies.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Describe historical/cultural knowledge of various Indigenous groups in Canada related to the overarching themes in the course: Language and ethics, history, colonialism, and reconciliation.
- Reflect upon and articulate the interdependence of all elements of Indigenous holistic perspective (emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical).
- Demonstrate understanding of Indigenous connections to the land and all elements of creation, through formal research and writing on Indigenous teachings in the course.
- Apply holistic knowledge to critique colonization in future coursework, engage in conversation and to decolonize daily personal activities.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Discuss the historical and ongoing basis of Indigenous-settler government conflict, including how capitalism and extractivism, as extensions of settler-colonialism, function to undermine Indigenous sovereignty.
- Discuss barriers to spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health for Indigenous Peoples and what is needed to support the healing of unresolved historical intergenerational trauma so that Indigenous peoples can survive and thrive.
- Critically read, analyze, communicate about, and reflect on key research conducted by Indigenous people in a variety of disciplines, and respectfully amplify Indigenous voices on issues related to gendered settler colonialism and Indigenous resistance and resurgence.
- Identify various forms of resistance and resurgence and their impacts, and ways to engage in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and movements/collective action.
- Develop and implement collaborative inquiry skills required to respond to essential questions related to Indigenous peoples.
- Apply elements of Indigenous ways of knowing (emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical) to learning.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the ways that power relations between political economic actors shape the processes and outcomes of global development.
- Summarize the evolution of dominant development paradigms and assess the impact of their implementation in practice.
- Outline the functions and critiques (past and present) of key institutions in the global political economy of development: the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and World Trade Organisation (WTO).
- Summarize and evaluate the strength of key debates over development strategy, from trade liberalization to the role of NGOs and global finance based on a solid theoretical and practical understanding.
- Evaluate motivations and impacts of current developments in the global political economy grounded in a historical understanding of the politics, policies, institutions and theory.
- Develop speaking skills in your weekly tutorial sessions as you demonstrate your ability to draw connections between the lectures and readings.
NOTE Also offered online, consult Arts and Science Online (Learning Hours may vary).
NOTE Also offered at Bader College, UK (Learning Hours may vary).
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Unravel Colonial Legacies: Explain the cultural impacts of colonialism on global development
- Develop Conceptual Foundations: Explain core analytic concepts related to “culture” and “global development.”
- Analyze Diverse Perspectives: Compare diverse cultural, social, and Indigenous perspectives on development, and understand how these perspectives differ from dominant Western paradigms.
- Apply Intersectional Analysis: Utilize intersectional frameworks to analyze how various aspects of identity, such as race, gender, class, and Indigeneity, intersect with development processes and outcomes.
- Communicate Effectively: Develop effective communication skills, both written and oral, to articulate complex ideas and arguments related to decolonizing development.
- Promote Ethical Engagement: Cultivate ethical and culturally sensitive approaches to engage with communities and stakeholders in the context of international development.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the core tensions between development and sustainability goals in the 21st century.
- Assess, contrast, and apply different social science perspectives to understand conflicts and trade offs in sustainability policy and practice.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of diverging approaches to policymaking in sustainable development.
- Mobilize interdisciplinary thinking to analyze case studies of sustainability in diverse global contexts.
NOTE Also offered online, consult Arts and Science Online (Learning Hours may vary).
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Gain holistic comprehension about the gendered impact of globalization and structural adjustment policies on poor women’s lives in the Global South.
- Ability to assess how neoliberal reforms differ in their impact according to women’s ‘location’.
- Analyze current trends in development programming and planning from a ‘gender’ lens and assess their impact.
- Identify the role of images and stereotypes in shaping humanitarian ‘investment’ in the Global South.
- Evaluate theoretical approaches to the impact of globalization and structural adjustment policies on women.
- Communicate effectively and clearly synthesis of theoretical arguments in oral and written form.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Define global health, development, and their intersections from the perspectives of social science.
- Demonstrate knowledge of key principles, concepts, and controversies in Global Health and Development.
- Explain major frameworks and measures of Global Health, and Development and their limits to understanding contemporary global challenges.
- Identify major global institutions and actors involved in Global Heath and Development.
- Examine contemporary Global Health Challenges from the perspective of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Propose alternative strategies for addressing current and future global health and development challenges.
NOTE Only offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online.
NOTE This course is repeatable for credit under different topic titles.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the topic within the context of global development, supported by the analysis of relevant case studies, real-world examples, and current trends.
- Describe the strengths, limitations, and gaps in the existing literature, theories, and methodologies pertinent to the chosen area of study.
- Apply and utilize specific analytical frameworks and tools to evaluate and measure the impact of the chosen topic on global development, considering its social, economic, and political dimensions.
- Engage in academic discussions, showcasing the ability to construct and articulate informed ideas, while demonstrating respect for diverse viewpoints and contributing constructively to the discourse.
- Produce a well-researched paper or an equivalent assignment that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic and its implications for global development.
NOTE This course is repeatable for credit under different topic titles.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the topic within the context of global development, supported by the analysis of relevant case studies, real-world examples, and current trends.
- Describe the strengths, limitations, and gaps in the existing literature, theories, and methodologies pertinent to the chosen area of study.
- Apply and utilize specific analytical frameworks and tools to evaluate and measure the impact of the chosen topic on global development, considering its social, economic, and political dimensions.
- Engage in academic discussions, showcasing the ability to construct and articulate informed ideas, while demonstrating respect for diverse viewpoints and contributing constructively to the discourse.
- Produce a well-researched paper or an equivalent assignment that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic and its implications for global development.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the logic and debates that underlie different approaches to conducting research.
- Develop the capacity to critically evaluate the value of research findings presented in academic literature, government / NGO reports, and popular media.
- Have an awareness of the unique factors that need to be considered for conducting cross cultural development research.
- Identify research relevant to a given research topic and use it to situate your proposed research into ongoing academic debates.
- Be aware of the ethical consideration that arise in cross-cultural development research and understand the institutional requirements for ethics in fieldwork.
- Understand the idea of critical reflexivity and be able to identify the potential impacts of your identity as a researcher on research findings.
- Have a basic competency in the process, logic, and structure of designing development research.
- Understand methodologies and techniques commonly used in development related research and an understanding of their appropriate application for answering research questions.
- Have an understanding and basic competency in qualitative data analysis techniques.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate a profound understanding of international development by analyzing the intricate global architecture, including overseas development assistance (ODA), influenced by diverse development paradigms.
- Master practical skills essential for a successful career in development. This will include crafting strategic plans and executing ideas effectively, while actively engaging with influential policy makers.
- Evaluate and refine development projects across diverse sectors by demonstrating proficiency in assessing project impact through social justice and equity principles.
- Create innovative solutions and develop well-considered development projects that address real-world challenges.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Interrogate a variety of texts related to Cuban Culture and Society.
- Reflect upon presuppositions and biases about Cuba.
- Analyze cultural, political, economic and social formations of Cuban identity.
- Produce a variety of texts that exemplify reflexive analysis and critical inquiry.
NOTE Field Trip (Havana, Cuba): estimated cost $3,200 (students must apply to take this course).
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Discover Diverse Perspectives: Explore and compare various competing ideas of progress and development to gain a deeper understanding of global issues.
- Critical Thinking Mastery: Develop strong analytical skills by examining and questioning the fundamental assumptions and theoretical foundations within arguments.
- Holistic Knowledge Integration: Harness a rich tapestry of historical, political, economic, and social concepts to enhance both academic work and real-world social activism.
- Effective Communication: Master the art of clearly expressing the underlying assumptions of different arguments, whether in writing or in oral form.
- Personal Growth: Reflect on how different theoretical perspectives shape your own ideas about development and social change, fostering personal growth and awareness.
- Cultural and Global Awareness: Recognize the limits and cross-cultural boundaries of development theories, enabling a more nuanced perspective on global issues.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Cultivate self-reflexivity about the interconnectedness of labour, livelihoods, consumption, and social equity on a global scale.
- Combine innovative analytical tools including global value chains, labour regimes, and livelihoods analysis to provide new insights into everyday social justice issues.
- Apply interdisciplinary research strategies to propose and assess possible solutions to achieving decent work and sustainable livelihoods across local and global settings.
- Build foundations for strong global engagement by composing and communicating policy-orientated case studies of labour and livelihood challenges.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Distinguish and compare various theoretical frameworks that analyze the relationship between technology and development and social justice issues.
- Utilize selected concepts from diverse theoretical frameworks to differentiate the impacts of technology on different stakeholders and categorize how specific technologies can address development and social justice challenges in specific contexts.
- Enhance the skill to effectively communicate complex social and technological topics to interdisciplinary and non-specialist audiences.
- Compose a clear and well-structured policy brief that assesses and selects relevant concepts, outlining recommended intervention strategies for technology design to policymakers.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and conceptualize the key tensions (productive and destructive) between business goals and development in the 21st Century at the global, national and local levels, particularly with regard to questions of power.
- Assess, contrast, and apply different global political economy (GPE) perspectives to understand the causes and outcomes of these tensions between development and business goals.
- Analyze case studies of these business-development tensions across a range of settings introduced by the instructor and integrate these with the macro-level (GPE) questions raised earlier.
- Synthesize the analysis of case studies and policy documents with GPE perspectives to generate and evaluate normative (prescriptive) positions towards sustainable development practices through, for example, exploring how global risk management operates on the ground.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and contrast the primary empirical trends in urbanization in the Global South, highlighting their interactions with those in the Global North.
- Evaluate the roles and impacts of major institutions and actors involved in urbanization policy and development practices within Southern cities.
- Critically assess competing theoretical perspectives on urbanization in the Global South. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses as explanatory frameworks and compare them with urban theories prevalent in the Global North.
- Develop advanced academic skills necessary for further studies in this field. These skills include active class participation, advanced essay and exam writing, and the ability to present complex ideas and arguments persuasively.
- Enhance the ability to take comprehensive notes during lectures and readings. Apply these notes effectively in quizzes, exams, essays, and presentations, demonstrating a deeper understanding of course content.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Apply core concepts and terminologies you will need to make effective public engagements on the issues in the future (e.g., seek an internship/employment, apply for grad school, write a letter to your MP).
- Identify and describe how specific factors have differentially affected HIV transmission (heterosexism, gender, racism, xenophobia, war on drugs, free trade, etc.).
- Conduct research including identifying and consulting primary sources.
- Explain the relative effectiveness (or not) of different public health interventions including harm reduction strategies, criminalization of non-disclosure, etc.
- Create oral and visual representations of written assignments.
- Articulate reasons for, and promising strategies to counter, political reactions against, and unintended political and social consequences of best practices and current trends and prospects.
- Apply critical reading skills to a wide range of sources including AI-generated text.
alternative extractive futures.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Define resource extraction and conduct a critical examination of its role in global development.
- Utilize political, economic, and cultural theories to conduct in-depth analyses of various resource extraction case studies.
- Apply problem-solving tools in the field of development collaboratively to formulate comprehensive proposals addressing the social and ecological challenges associated with resource extraction.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills by actively participating in classroom discussions and contributing to a group project.
- Craft well-structured analytical essays that engage with diverse theories and sources while also considering issues of social justice and the production of diverse knowledge.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the historical changes within the NGO sector, particularly since neoliberal globalization.
- Explain the critiques of the NGO sector – especially in cross-cultural encounters – and the debates on aid and aid effectiveness.
- Articulate the challenges of working in developing countries, including political, cultural, ethical, social, organizational, and other challenges.
- Assess the political feasibility of NGOs' intervention in different regions of the world
- Apply basic principles and tools of participatory development and monitoring and evaluation methodologies in NGOs program interventions and evaluations.
- Integrate analytical and methodological knowledge to produce a grant proposal for an NGO project.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze, evaluate, and apply a diverse range of theoretical perspectives in the examination of forced migration and refugee phenomena.
- Acquire proficiency in understanding international legal frameworks concerning refugees and forced migrants.
- Critically evaluate contemporary debates on forced migration and related policy issues, drawing from an interdisciplinary standpoint.
- Cultivate the skills to construct and present compelling oral and written arguments pertaining to forced migration, asylum seekers, and policy frameworks.
- Demonstrate the capacity to actively participate in scholarly discussions and debates within both formal and informal learning settings, showcasing a depth of understanding and critical thinking.
NOTE Only offered online, consult Arts and Science Online.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the main policy actors and institutions responsible for policy advocacy in a Global Development context.
- Discuss strategies, techniques, and mindsets that can help social movements and other justice-oriented organizations contribute to better policy advocacy in Global Development.
- Consider the role of positionality and self-reflexive behaviour in advocacy networks and the role of marginalized communities in advocating change.
- Evaluate the potential limitations of policy advocacy in shaping transformative economic justice in Global Development and assess where policy advocacy fits within a broader spectrum of transformative societal change.
- Situate approaches to contemporary policy advocacy within broader political and historical frameworks.
- Apply inquiry skills in exploring the existing body of historical and sociological research in policy advocacy and use academic and other genres of writing to develop and communicate new ideas to relevant audiences.
NOTE Only offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Apply standards of best practice when making decisions about potential experiential learning options.
- Prepare for a global engagement experience by researching the political, economic, social and cultural environment of the region and organization where the experience will take place.
- Engage in a self-reflexive process to assess the impact personal motivations, cross-cultural understanding, and race relations have on interactions and relationships during the globally engaged experience.
- Collaborate with others before, during, and after a globally engaged experience to question historical patterns of engagement and representation, challenge assumptions and explore the complexity of issues.
- Draw connections between theoretical concepts related to global engagement and practical experiences in the field.
- Formulate plans for future action and engagement based on an analysis of the successes and challenges of a globally engaged experience.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify key aspects of southern African human and biophysical environments.
- Describe and recount core themes in the history of southern Africa.
- Identify and evaluate scholarly and activist traditions that debate the roles of race, class, gender, and environment in southern Africa.
- Discern and explain embedded assumptions in cultural and knowledge production from and about Africa.
- Critically assess factors contributing to, or frustrating, current struggles to address key development objectives in the region and in particular, Johannesburg or other urban centres.
- Conduct original research using primary documents.
- Articulate orally and in different written forms current trends and prospects for social justice in southern Africa in relation to wider debates in the Global South.
- Acquire sufficient general knowledge of the region to feel confident among African peers in an honours-level course at Wits University, Johannesburg.
- Apply critical reading skills to a wide range of sources including AI-generated text.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Describe how settler colonial realities shape current relations between the State and Indigenous Peoples and the role of decolonization in redefining these relations.
- Critically reflect on positionality and its alignment with one's roles and responsibilities in the struggle to decolonize.
- Examine how colonization has shaped the histories and ongoing lived realities of specific groups of individuals including Indigenous women and 2SLGTBQIA+ Peoples.
- Analyze how colonial ideology constructs the land and water, and how decolonial theories/practices aim to restore and privilege Indigenous concepts and relationships with the physical world and prioritize land and water as fundamental to all issues, personal histories, and ontologies.
- Examine how Indigenous and settler peoples work collaboratively to resist settler colonialism to move beyond it towards a different reality that centers balanced, respectful, and healthy ways of being.
- Discuss how Indigenous art intersects with Indigenous research and activism in ways that support Indigenous agency.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the competing theories about the potential benefits and negative impacts of “free” trade and foreign investment on development and the environment.
- Explain how international trade and investment agreements can constrain the policy space of governments and pose obstacles to communities struggling for social and environmental justice.
- Be familiar with proposed reforms and more radical alternatives to the current trade and investment system, including an appreciation of the fair trade movement and its limitations.
- Engage with both academic literature (across several disciplines) and policy documents on these topics carefully and critically.
- Be confident in communicating on these topics through formal presentations and group discussions.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze and discuss the primary conceptualizations and definition of land.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the interconnections between land and health.
- Examine and elucidate the fundamental manifestations of land politics on a global scale across the world.
- Evaluate the health consequences resulting from land politics for diverse populations and specific demographic groups.
- Propose strategies for reforming current land-related relationships to advance both population and global health equity.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Acquire a rich and multi-dimensional understanding of the drivers and factors fueling inequalities and injustices tied to climate change.
- Gain profound insights into the array of vulnerability framings and climate solutions put forth by a wide spectrum of climate stakeholders.
- Critically evaluate mainstream climate policies like adaptation and mitigation through the lens of social equity and justice and develop the ability to analyze, question, and advocate for fairness in climate action.
- Harness the power of non-traditional and digital communication methods to convey vital knowledge about climate change solutions by telling compelling stories and shape the future of climate discourse.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of Lake Ontario's watershed and hydrology.
- Appreciate the intricate history of First Nations in eastern Lake Ontario, analyze the enduring impacts of colonialism, and consider the opportunities and challenges of Reconciliation in relation to the Lake and its shoreline.
- Recognize the interplay of social, economic, political, and environmental factors that mold contemporary discourse surrounding Lake Ontario and its long-term sustainability.
- Identify the key institutions and stakeholders involved in research, management, and funding initiatives pertaining to Lake Ontario.
- Explain the connections between Lake Ontario and global water, climate, and equity issues, especially as they pertain to the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Develop interdisciplinary academic skills to engage with the multifaceted nature of Lake Ontario, including participation in field trips, essay composition, and the presentation of ideas in innovative formats that extend beyond their core disciplinary focus.
- Apply the acquired skills from this course to future personal and professional endeavors related to its content in volunteer and/or professional roles.
NOTE At least one month before the beginning of term during which the work will be undertaken, students must submit an application to the department.
NOTE This course is repeatable for credit under different topic titles.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Course-based LO: Build knowledge and critical understanding of the key themes, concepts, methodologies and approaches in the specialized area of study.
- Course-based LO: Identify relevant sources of information applicable to the field and demonstrate the ability to synthesize data from multiple sources, including academic texts, media, government documents, and non-governmental reports.
- Course-based LO: Develop strong written communication skills through a variety of critical analysis assignments.
- Course-based LO: Compare and contrast different analytical approaches within the specialized field to understand strengths and limitations of current debates.
- Course-based LO: Develop transferable skills including writing for varied audiences, data management, and balancing academic and professional time commitments.
- Experiential LO: Build thematically specific practical skills that complement and advance course-based learning in the specialized area of study.
- Experiential LO: Develop self-confidence in taking academic learning into workplace or practical experience settings.
- Experiential LO: Communicate the complexities of lived experiences to groups of peers through post-placement presentations.
- Experiential LO: Reflect on the strengths and limitations of literature in the subject area based on practical experience within the field.
- Experiential LO: Develop professional skills including adaptability, self-management, time management, and collaboration through the experiential learning placement.
NOTE This course is repeatable for credit under different topic titles.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Investigate the existing literature, theories, and methodologies relevant to the area of study.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the specific topic within the context of global development, as emphasized by the faculty member's research interests.
- Choose appropriate analytical frameworks and tools to assess the impact of the selected topic on global development, considering its social, economic, and political dimensions.
- Actively engage in meaningful discussions and debates, demonstrating the ability to articulate complex ideas and make substantial contributions to academic discourse on the topic.
- Develop a comprehensive research project, paper or an equivalent assignment that reflects a sophisticated understanding of the chosen topic and its implications for global development, incorporating insights gained throughout the course.
NOTE This course is repeatable for credit under different topic titles.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Investigate the existing literature, theories, and methodologies relevant to the area of study.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the specific topic within the context of global development, as emphasized by the faculty member's research interests.
- Choose appropriate analytical frameworks and tools to assess the impact of the selected topic on global development, considering its social, economic, and political dimensions.
- Actively engage in meaningful discussions and debates, demonstrating the ability to articulate complex ideas and make substantial contributions to academic discourse on the topic.
- Develop a comprehensive research project, paper or an equivalent assignment that reflects a sophisticated understanding of the chosen topic and its implications for global development, incorporating insights gained throughout the course.
NOTE Students are normally responsible for all costs associated with participation in this course.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Apply Theoretical Knowledge: Apply theoretical concepts learned in DEVS coursework to real-world development scenarios and challenges.
- Practical Skills Development: Develop practical skills such as project management, intercultural communication, and problem-solving through hands-on experience.
- Professional Growth: Demonstrate professional growth by adapting to the work environment, meeting deadlines, and effectively collaborating with colleagues in a development agency, whether in Canada or abroad.
- Cultural Competence: Cultivate cultural competence by working in diverse settings, appreciating different perspectives, and respecting local cultures and traditions.
- Ethical Considerations: Navigate ethical considerations and dilemmas encountered during their work placement, considering the broader implications for development practice.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Uncover the Real-world Complexity of Development and Activism: Reflect on the tension between classroom learning and hands-on experience, gaining an understanding of how theory and practice intersect.
- Spotlight Inequality and Empower Change: Evaluate the impact of international development initiatives on local communities and propose real change.
- Ethical Considerations: Uncover ethical dilemmas encountered during their work placement, considering the broader implications for development practice.
- Persuasive Communication: Craft compelling, evidence-based argument that resonate across different platforms.
- Career Development: Evaluate the relevance of their work placement experience to their career goals and aspirations in the field of international development.
NOTE Students participating in the study period at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg will pay an ancillary fee for programming (e.g. cultural field trips, busing). Students will pay all travel and living costs while studying at Wits. The study period at Wits is mid-July to end of August.
NOTE Taught concurrently with DEVS 8XX/3.0.
NOTE This course is repeatable for credit under different topic titles.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Comprehensive Understanding: Develop a comprehensive understanding of interpretive techniques, critical methodologies, and theoretical questions within a specialized area of development studies (This can be amended accordingly to specific course offering).
- In-Depth Exploration: Conduct thorough examinations of key development issues (once again, this can be modified specific to a course offering), delving into their historical, economic, social, and political dimensions.
- Advanced Analytical Skills: Develop advanced analytical competency to critically assess development theories and methodologies in addressing significant global challenges. (Again, this can be adjusted to match specific course offerings).
- Interdisciplinary Insights: Cultivate an interdisciplinary perspective by integrating insights from sociology, economics, political science, gender studies and other relevant disciplines.
- Effective Communication: Enhance both written and oral communication skills to articulate and defend nuanced perspectives on select development issues (again, this can be tailored to suit a particular course), whether individually or within a group setting.
- Critical Engagement: Encourage active and critical involvement in contemporary development debates, policies, and practices, fostering the ability to contribute constructively to ongoing discussions in the field.
NOTE Taught concurrently with DEVS 862/3.0.
NOTE This course is repeatable for credit under different topic titles.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Depth and Breadth of Knowledge: Students build focused knowledge in the specialised area of study and explore practical applications of that knowledge.
- Application of Knowledge: Students synthesize data from multiple sources, including academic texts, media, government documents, and non-governmental reports and apply this data to a practical application.
- Knowledge of Methodologies: Students assess methodologies for learning and problem solving within the specialised area based on reflection from their practical application.
- Communication Skills: Students develop strong written and oral communication skills through written assignments, seminar discussions, and outputs orientated towards diverse communities of practice.
- Awareness of Limits of Knowledge: Students reflect on the strengths and limitations of literature in the specialised area with close consideration of its utility for practical applications.
- Autonomy and Professional Capacity: Students develop transferable skills including writing for varied audiences, adaptability and self-management by balancing academic analysis and practical applications of knowledge.
NOTE The student must identify a willing supervisor from DEVS or a cognate department and receive permission of the Department of Global Development Studies.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct an extensive and critical review of the existing literature related to a well-defined topic within the field of development studies.
- Synthesize and integrate diverse ideas, theories, and findings from the literature to develop a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic.
- Formulate a clear, well-structured research question or thesis statement that addresses a specific aspect of development relevant to the chosen topic.
- Design and execute an independent research project, culminating in the production of an original and substantial thesis.
- Apply appropriate research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques to investigate the chosen topic effectively.
- Demonstrate advanced academic writing skills by producing a coherent, well-organized, and scholarly thesis under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.
- Present and defend their research findings and methodology in an informal setting, such a research seminar, showcasing their ability to articulate and defend their research decisions and outcomes.
NOTE The students are responsible for approaching a professor with whom they wish to work and who is willing to undertake this project.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the selected topic in development studies, encompassing both theoretical and empirical aspects.
- Conduct comprehensive literature searches and critically evaluate academic sources related to the chosen development topic.
- Analyze and synthesize diverse perspectives and theories from the humanities, social sciences, and environmental sciences to gain a holistic understanding of development issues.
- Apply interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, drawing upon insights and methodologies from various academic fields.
- Develop advanced research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify gaps in existing literature and propose potential avenues for future research.
- Effectively communicate their findings and insights through written reports, presentations, or discussions.
- Demonstrate the capacity to work independently or collaboratively, depending on the course structure, and manage time effectively to meet project deadlines.
NOTE Requests for such a program must be received one month before the start of the first term in which the student intends to undertake the program.
NOTE Also offered at Bader College, UK.