Global Development Studies (GDST)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.