XII. Course Descriptions

International Development

IDEV*1000 Understanding Development and Global Inequalities S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
The objective of the course is to provide an introduction to the study of international development as a contested and evolving effort to counteract global inequalities. Students will learn about the historical and political origins of the international development system, as well as the main development actors and institutions. The course will provide an introduction to foundational concepts within development studies, including poverty, inequality, human rights, foreign aid, and sustainable development.
Offering(s): Also offered through Distance Education format.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*2000 The Development Landscape: Actors and Institutions F (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines the local and global context within which inclusive and sustainable development takes place. It explores why particular economic, social, political and institutional structures are in place and the implications of those structures for inclusive and sustainable development. Key issues will include global institutions, religion, the global economy, natural and physical environment, gender, urbanization, power structures, aid architecture, nature of non-governmental organizations, local and international business, governance and fragility, and corruption.
Prerequisite(s): IDEV*1000 or POLS*1150
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*2100 Research in International Development F (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores the ethical dimensions of conducting research and producing knowledge in a context of inclusive and sustainable development. Students will explore the cultural, methodological and ethical challenges of conducting research in vulnerable communities, using concepts of positionality, difference, identity and intersectionality to understand the ways in which they might engage in a mutually-respectful process of research and engagement. The course provides a broad survey of research methods including documentary, observational, qualitative, and quantitative approaches, exploring their key characteristics, strengths and weaknesses and ethical implications of producing knowledge for development.
Prerequisite(s): IDEV*1000
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*2200 Policy, Economy and Society F (3-0) [0.50]
This course focuses on the analysis of the major development and social justice policy problems facing societies across the globe by applying systematic principles and approaches to the study of the economy and its interconnectedness to society. Examples of policy problems that will be examined include poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, work and employment, and technology and innovation, amongst others. Throughout the course, students engage in the handling and analysis of data that is necessary for the analysis of policy problems.
Prerequisite(s): GEOG*1220 or IDEV*1000
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*2300 Theoretical Perspectives on Development S,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will explore alternative theoretical perspectives on inclusive and sustainable development, drawing from an interdisciplinary lens of economics, sociology, geography and political science, amongst others. Students will examine how theoretical perspectives have changed over time and how they differ according to alternative disciplinary and philosophical perspectives. How dominant theoretical perspectives on development at any point in time influence policy and practice aimed at bringing about inclusive and sustainable development will also be explored.
Prerequisite(s): ECON*1050, ECON*1100, IDEV*1000
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*2400 Development, Social Justice and Human Rights W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will explore the nature of social justice and links to concepts and practice of human rights. It examines how development can be seen in terms of the advancement of social justice. Students will identify and critically assess alternative approaches to promoting social justice within a development context and the related actions by actors locally and globally. It will explore the related ethical issues associated with development policy and practice. Key topics will include poverty, hunger, power, gender, race, and class.
Prerequisite(s): IDEV*1000
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*2500 International Development Studies W (4-0) [0.50]
This course is an introduction to a broad range of topics in international development as studied by various researchers and from perspectives of different social-science disciplines. Special emphasis will be placed on research arising from the seven areas of emphasis in the undergraduate IDS program, the integration of diverse disciplines and paradigms, and the implications for public policy. Students in the International Development major should complete this course before semester five.
Prerequisite(s): POLS*2080, (ANTH*1150 or ECON*1050)
Equate(s): IDEV*2010
Restriction(s): Registration in B.A. International Development major, minor or area of concentration.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*3000 Poverty and Inequality F (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores the nature and determinants of poverty and inequality at the local and global levels and the interrelationship between these. It examines the patterns and dynamics of poverty and inequality, for example over time and geographically. In so doing, it explores the nature and practical application of alternative approaches to their assessment and measurement. Students will reflect on and critically assess diverse approaches to reducing poverty and inequality locally and globally.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including IDEV*2500
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*3100 Achieving Sustainable Development W (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability and the interrelationships and trade-offs between sustainability and inclusive development. Alternative approaches for assessing and measuring sustainability will be covered. The course enables students to reflect and critically assess diverse approaches to promoting inclusive development that is sustainable locally to globally. Key issues might include climate change, urbanization, trade, extractive industries, conservation and eco-tourism, pollution, resource depletion, and water and sanitation.
Offering(s): First offering - Winter 2022
Prerequisite(s): 9.00 credits including IDEV*2000, IDEV*2100, IDEV*2300
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*3010 Case Studies in International Development F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course is an in-depth examination of select case studies in international development.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits including IDEV*2010 or IDEV*2500
Restriction(s): Registration in B.A. International Development major. Minimum of 68% overall cumulative average.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*3200 Individual Work/Study in International Development S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course is intended for students who seek to combine work and study in development with their academic course work. It may be used in connection with internships or work at international development agencies or other appropriate businesses and organizations (in Canada and abroad), for research and/or experience in a developing country, or for other practica or programs. Any faculty member at the University of Guelph with appropriate expertise may supervise the work/study project. In each case, the student and faculty member will agree on an outline of the work/study project and evaluation criteria. In all cases the project will involve a writing component.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. Written approval of the faculty advisor for International Development.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*3300 Engaging in Development Practice F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course provides an opportunity for students to engage with development practitioners in a real-world context. Students will implement a community engagement project determined in consultation with a community partner. The focus of engagement opportunities will be on the analysis of a development issue and defining related policy and/or practice options. The course explores the challenges associated with engaging with development practitioners in the real world and equips students with the necessary skills for successful engagement.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including IDEV*2500
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in BAH.IDEV.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*3400 Managing and Evaluating Change in Development W (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores the key practical skills required by those engaged in the implementation of development policy and practice including logical frameworks, theories of change, impact assessment, and project management. It aims to equip students with an understanding of the nature of these techniques, and how and where they are employed. The strengths and weaknesses of these techniques and their implications for development policy and practice are explored.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including IDEV*2500
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*3500 Field Course in Development Studies S (3-0) [1.00]
This course examines development within the context of an international or Canadian location, with the location varying each year. The course is comprised of an on-campus teaching component followed by a field trip during the summer semester. Topics may include poverty, food security, global migration, sustainable development, gender, community engagement. Information on the location and cost of the field school is available in the fall semester from the department with applications in January, prior to each summer offering.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits
Restriction(s): A cumulative average of 70%. Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*4000 Development in Action F,W (3-0) [1.00]
This capstone course for the Major in International Development Studies course equips students to analyze complex issues in inclusive and sustainable development by applying and integrating the diverse theoretical and empirical concepts, approaches and ideas taught throughout their studies in International Development. Students will reflect on their personal positions and perspectives on development and drawing on their engagement experience. The course shows how different perspectives on sustainable and inclusive development can influence understanding and proposed solutions to development issues.
Offering(s): First offering - Fall 2022
Prerequisite(s): 14.00 credits including IDEV*2400, IDEV*3000, IDEV*3100, IDEV*3300
Restriction(s): Registration in B.A.IDS major. Minimum of 68% overall cumulative average. Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*4100 Thesis in International Development Studies I S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
Supervised by a faculty member, students will undertake a literature review and plan, develop and write a research proposal. The topic of thesis will be selected in consultation with the supervisory faculty member prior to registration for the course. Students are advised to contact the IDS Academic Advisor for further information.
Offering(s): First offering - Fall 2022
Prerequisite(s): 14.00 credits including IDEV*3000, IDEV*3100
Restriction(s): Registration in B.A.IDS with a minimum average of 80% in all IDS major course attempts. Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*4150 Thesis in International Development Studies II S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
Students conduct, write and present an undergraduate thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offering(s): First offering - Winter 2023
Prerequisite(s): IDEV*4100
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in BAH.IDS. Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*4190 Regional Context S,F,W (1.5-0) [0.25]
In this course students will learn about a region that they intend to study further in an advanced work/study project (IDEV*4200) or in a structured semester abroad. It may be offered as a reading course or as a seminar.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits including IDEV*2010 or IDEV*2500
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. Written approval of the faculty advisor for International Development.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*4200 Advanced Work/Study in International Development S,F,W (3-0) [0.75]
Individual work/study option at an advanced level. See IDEV*3200 for course description.
Prerequisite(s): IDEV*4190
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. Written approval of the faculty advisor for International Development.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*4500 International Development Seminar F,W (3-0) [1.00]
This course brings together students in international development in their final year of study to examine key debates and to integrate knowledge from different areas of emphasis in the specialization. Students draw from a variety of disciplinary and inter-disciplinary perspectives in lectures, text-based seminars and in reaction to guest speakers. In addition, students develop and present research projects which focus theoretical insight on practical concerns.
Prerequisite(s): 15.00 credits
Restriction(s): Registration in B.A. International Development major. Minimum of 68% overall cumulative average.
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
IDEV*4600 Advocating and Effecting Change in Development Policy and Practice S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding needed to advocate for, and bring about, change in policy and practice that impact inclusive and sustainable development within government, civil society organizations and the private sector. The course examines the actions and processes through which changes in policy and practice take place, and the barriers that need to be overcome in order to effect such changes. These might include formal legal, political and administrative engagement, use of social media, protest, civil disobedience, etc. The course predominantly involves the in-depth analysis of successes and failures of advocacy and activism efforts at bringing about changes that have positive development impacts.
Offering(s): First offering - Fall 2022
Prerequisite(s): 14.00 credits including IDEV*2400, IDEV*3000, IDEV*3100, IDEV*3300
Department(s): Dean's Office, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120