This reading course provides an opportunity for in-depth investigation about a particular region in preparation for a thesis, major paper or research project. The course normally is directed by the student's advisor.

In this course, students examine theoretical and empirical aspects of international development from an interdisciplinary perspective. We critically assess trends in development theory and explore key issues. The course is taught through guided readings, case study analysis, and seminar-based discussions. It focuses on developing professional skills related to written and oral communication of development issues such as poverty, inequality, decolonization and anti-racism, and sustainability.

This course prepares students to conduct research in a development context. It emphasizes power relations and supports students as they reflect on their own positionality and the development context of their research. Through reading, discussion and practice, students develop skills in areas such as: scoping research questions, data collection, data analysis, navigating ethical complexities and knowledge mobilization. There is an emphasis on reflective writing and on communicating development research and analysis to diverse audiences.

This course covers the design and evaluation of development projects using experimental methods and the R programming language. Students learn the basics of: causal inference, statistical methods for experiments, R, and project evaluation. Students complete the course able to conduct a basic experimental evaluation on their own, and in a position to have high-level conversations with professional statistical evaluators. By acquiring the skills necessary for evaluating the impact of development projects, students will be well-placed to identify and advocate for effective development practices and processes.

This course provides a deeper understanding of gender and generational issues in development, the ways they intersect along with other structural factors such as class; and how gender and generation are present and addressed in development/ social policy. By the end of the course, students are able to appreciate the centrality of gender and generation in development, and to find ways to integrate them in research, policy and practice.

This course recognizes an intensive commitment to research in an archival repository, 'in the field' or at an appropriate development institution in Canada or abroad. The course normally is directed by the student's advisor in consultation with the advisory committee.

Students gain theoretical and empirical knowledge about the role of colonization and racism in historical and contemporary development practices. The course trains students in anti-racist and anti-oppressive approaches to development and global justice, including Indigenous, Black and feminist perspectives. Students engage in reflection about their own positionality, and learn specific tools for applying anti-racism and decolonization within their own professional practices.

This course provides an opportunity for students to engage with development practitioners in the context of a community-engaged research and learning partnership. Through this partnership, students gain experience with research design, research methods, knowledge mobilization, oral and written communication, and intercultural competence. 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.

In this course students establish the linkages between their doctoral research topic and the wider field of development studies and practice. The course will examine development policies and projects, ethical issues related to (cross-cultural) development research, and relationships between research and development practice.

In this course, students advance their professional knowledge and skills and develop a career management strategy through a series of six professional development modules offered over two semesters. Module topics include career mapping, resume-building, interview preparation, networking in the development field, and anti-racism, conflict management, and intercultural competence in the workplace. A satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade is assigned upon completion of the course.