Global Development Studies (GDST)

GDST 5570  Environment and Development    
3 credit hours  
This seminar explores the implications for world economic development of the rising tide of “environmental problems”, as well as the question of what “economic development” might mean in the context of tackling the growing disruption of the global ecosystem. The importance of a sociological and political-economic analysis of the problems of environmental disruption will be emphasized as the basis for understanding the threat which environmental problems pose for the very existence of human kind and certain patterns of economic development.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 5570.

GDST 5800 - 5825 Special Topics in Global Development
6 credit hours
These courses will explore in depth a particular topic or set of topics in international development. Specific topics will depend on availability of visiting scholars, invited speakers and research plans of associated faculty.

GDST 5826 - 5849 Special Topics in Global Development
3 credit hours
These courses will explore in depth a particular topic or set of topics in international development. Specific topics will depend on availability of visiting scholars, invited speakers and research plans of associated faculty.

GDST 5850 - 5875 Directed Readings
6 credit hours
These courses provide an opportunity for students to pursue individually with faculty and researchers topics not normally covered by regular course offerings. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative and independence in pursuing a directed reading, and will normally produce a substantial written document summarizing their literature research. 

GDST 5876 - 5899 Directed Readings
3 credit hours
These courses provide an opportunity for students to pursue individually with faculty and researchers topics not normally covered by regular course offerings. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative and independence in pursuing a directed reading, and will normally produce a substantial written document summarizing their literature research. 

GDST 6120  Dev Studies Field School    
3 credit hours  
This course involves hands on, experimental learning and field work. Trip destinations may vary in different years according to faculty interests and opportunities as they arise. Students are required to attend orientation and preparation classes before the trip, and to complete assigned course work after the trip. Teaching will combine seminars and lectures with guest lectures from local community and government leaders and/or field trips to local sites.
GDST 6415  Borders, Migration and Development    
3 credit hours  
Students examine bordering and migration as an integral part of the development process. The impacts of remittances, the brain "drain"- "gain" debate and diaspora mobilizations are examined, including states’ role in bordering, migration governance and "containment development" in the context of Africa/Europe and South/North America.
GDST 6601  Dynamics of Development: Frameworks of Analysis and Practice    
3 credit hours  
This senior, core graduate seminar course will review and critically examine the major schools of development thinking with special reference to the social and political implications of economic policies and practice. The basic assumptions, central concepts, theoretical assumptions and public policy or political implications of each approach will be critically examined and placed in their historical context.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6601.
GDST 6603  International Human Rights and Development    
3 credit hours  
The full realization of human rights remains problematic across the world even though most countries have accepted international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Students achieve an understanding of how development policies and practices impede or facilitate the realization of human rights in ways that are gendered, racialized, and classed.
GDST 6620  Advanced Research Methods    
3 credit hours  
This course in advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods is designed to provide students with the tools needed to select the appropriate methodological approach and techniques for conducting research on development issues. This course will also deal with more general questions of research design, data gathering and analysis.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6620.
GDST 6635  Global Food Sovereignty    
3 credit hours  
Students explore different approaches, policies and theories addressing global food sovereignty and food security. Using examples from different countries, students examine the relationships between food/livelihood security with labour, gender, trade, social power, and rights to natural resources. Students consider the social justice and human rights dimensions of hunger and food insecurity, and how this relates to international and national development policy.
GDST 6661  South East Asia: Contemporary Development Issues    
3 credit hours  
This course explores development issues in the context of South East Asia, focusing on the nation-state and its development strategies, as well as issues of economic and social development. Issues include the emergence of the Newly-Industrializing Countries, the impact of the Asian financial crisis and globalization. The course will begin from the perspective of common colonial roots and identify the current sub-regional models of development. The course will explore current alternative approaches articulated by Asian scholars and grassroots organizations.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6661.
GDST 6662  Africa: Contemporary Development Issues    
3 credit hours  
Students explore development issues specific to Africa, focusing on the nation-state and its development strategies, as well as issues of economic and social policy, as articulated and challenged by a variety of actors, including African scholars and grassroots organizations.
GDST 6663  Latin America: Contemporary Development Issues    
3 credit hours  
This course explores development issues in the context of Latin America, focusing on the nation-state and its development strategies, as well as issues of economic and social development. Issues include the impact of globalization and liberalization, efforts towards political democratization including the role of popular organizations and alternative approaches articulated by Latin American scholars and grassroots organizations. Sub-regional differences will be identified.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6663.
GDST 6665  Labour and Development    
3 credit hours  
Labour conditions and the role of labour in social change are key issues in the study of international development. Exploration of these topics link to issues of changing production patterns in developing countries, changing labour and social conditions, including issues around labour organization and their participation in political and economic processes.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6665.
GDST 6672  Trade and Development    
3 credit hours  
Students examine trade and development, not solely as a technical or policy issue, but as a political, economic, and ideological package rooted in complex social forces. Students assess the dominant trade regime as well as a variety of trade alternatives from new South-South trade relations to fair trade.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6672.
GDST 6673  Climate, Security, and Global Development    
3 credit hours  
Students examine how security as a concept frames the problem of climate change and its impacts, and how competing security frameworks shape national and international policy interventions to mitigate climate change. Asking whose security matters, students explore the practical, political, and ethical challenges of developing equitable and effective climate policy in a globally divided world.
GDST 6690  Thesis Research    
9 credit hours  
Students engage in the research and writing of a thesis under supervision of a thesis committee. The student must satisfy the supervisor that thesis research and all other methodological and disciplinary preparation for the successful handling of the thesis topic have been completed. Supervisors may require a demonstration of language competence or extra course work as preparation for the treatment of certain thesis topics. Students will publicly defend their thesis, following which a final grade will be determined by the thesis committee.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6690.
GDST 6691  Major Research Paper    
3 credit hours  
The Major Research Paper is a sustained exploration of a theory, policy or practice in international development studies. Under the supervision of a faculty member, and a reader, student must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the relevant debates along with extensive research and independent analysis. Research can be undertaken through the use of primary and secondary documentary evidence alone or in conjunction with a field placement.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6691.
GDST 6695  Research Design and Methodology    
3 credit hours  
A seminar for the critical acquisition of traditional and cutting edge research design and methods, at the graduate level, used in international development studies. It will address the common challenges of developing a research protocol and the appropriate methodological approach and techniques for conducting research on development issues. These are discussed in an atmosphere of seminar presentations, constructive peer assessment and instructor-led discussions.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 6695.

GDST 6800 - 6825 Special Topics in Global Development
6 credit hours
These courses will explore in depth a particular topic or set of topics in international development. Specific topics will depend on availability of visiting scholars, invited speakers and research plans of associated faculty.

GDST 6826 - 6849 Special Topics in Global Development
3 credit hours
These courses will explore in depth a particular topic or set of topics in international development. Specific topics will depend on availability of visiting scholars, invited speakers and research plans of associated faculty.

GDST 6850 - 6875 Directed Readings
6 credit hours
These courses provide an opportunity for students to pursue individually with faculty and researchers topics not normally covered by regular course offerings. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative and independence in pursuing a directed reading, and will normally produce a substantial written document summarizing their literature research. 

GDST 6876 - 6899 Directed Readings
3 credit hours
These courses provide an opportunity for students to pursue individually with faculty and researchers topics not normally covered by regular course offerings. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative and independence in pursuing a directed reading, and will normally produce a substantial written document summarizing their literature research. 

GDST 7500  Advanced Development Theory    
6 credit hours  
Students explore recent research at the highest level in development theory, and its implications for students’ doctoral research. The first half of the course (Fall Term) is organized around class-based seminars, while the second half (Winter Term) will follow a Directed Study format, normally with the candidate´s supervisor.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 7500.
GDST 7600  Advanced Doctoral Research Methods    
6 credit hours  
Students explore traditional and recent methods, both quantitative and qualitative, for collecting data relevant to participating students’ doctoral research projects. The first half of the course (Fall Term) is organized around class-based seminars, while the second half (Winter Term) will follow a Directed Study format, normally with the candidate´s supervisor.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 7600.

GDST 7800 - 7825 Special Topics in Global Development
6 credit hours
These courses will explore in depth a particular topic or set of topics in international development. Specific topics will depend on availability of visiting scholars, invited speakers and research plans of associated faculty.

GDST 7826 - 7849 Special Topics in Global Development
3 credit hours
These courses will explore in depth a particular topic or set of topics in international development. Specific topics will depend on availability of visiting scholars, invited speakers and research plans of associated faculty.

GDST 7850 - 7875 Directed Readings
6 credit hours
These courses provide an opportunity for students to pursue individually with faculty and researchers topics not normally covered by regular course offerings. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative and independence in pursuing a directed reading, and will normally produce a substantial written document summarizing their literature research. 

GDST 7876 - 7899 Directed Readings
3 credit hours
These courses provide an opportunity for students to pursue individually with faculty and researchers topics not normally covered by regular course offerings. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative and independence in pursuing a directed reading, and will normally produce a substantial written document summarizing their literature research. 

GDST 8000  Doctoral Dissertation    
3 credit hours  
All doctoral students approved for entry into Year 2, fieldwork/empirical research, must register for this Dissertation course. The course will carry an IP (in progress) until the dissertation defense, at which time a pass/fail will be entered on the student’s transcript.
Note: Please note this course was formerly IDST 8000.