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.

This course will explore alternative theoretical perspectives on 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 will also be explored.

The objective of the course is understanding the role of colonization and racism in producing continued inequalities in both local and global contexts. The course examines how particular political, economic and social actors and institutions within the development system have been implicated in reproducing various forms of inequalities and also assesses their potential for addressing the causes and consequences of intersecting systems of oppression. Students receive training about how to integrate anti-colonial, anti-racist, and Indigenous perspectives and approaches to pursuing inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.

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. [Restriction(s):This is a Priority Access course. Some restrictions may apply during some time periods. Contact the Guelph Institute of Development Studies for more information.]

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.

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.

This course is intended for students who seek to combine experiential learning (study abroad, internship, volunteer, work or research opportunities) with their academic course work. Any faculty member at the University of Guelph with appropriate expertise may supervise the project. A participation agreement must be completed prior to registering for this course. Students are advised to contact the IDS Academic Advisor for further information.

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.

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, statistical analysis, 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.

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.

This course explores approaches to social justice and human rights, both conceptually and in practice. Human development is viewed as a vehicle towards fulfilling human rights and promoting a more socially and environmentally just future. Students familiarize themselves with human rights institutions, actors, social movements, and legal frameworks. They have the opportunity to critically assess various approaches to promoting social justice and human rights. The course also considers related ethical issues associated with development policy and practice. Topics may include: poverty; food insecurity; land-grabbing; working conditions; migration; gender; race and racism; and the environment.

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.

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.

Students conduct, write and present an undergraduate thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.

This course is intended for upper-year international development studies students to complete an independent study or research project. Any faculty member at the University of Guelph with appropriate expertise may supervise the project. A participation agreement must be completed prior to registering for this courses. Students are advised to contact the IDS Academic Advisor for further information.

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 and equips students with the necessary skills for successful engagement.

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.