Below are the course descriptions for the International Development core courses. Descriptions for the other courses are available from the course overview page.
INDEV 100 -
Introduction to International Development
Students obtain an overview of the multi-dimensional and transdisciplinary nature of development. Themes include theories and strategies of development; history of development; relevance of context (culture, economics, and politics); the impact of law and international regulatory bodies; environmental influences; urbanization; the factors of health, literacy and violence; development agencies. Reference is made to particular development problems in specific developing countries.
INDEV 200 Lecture - The Political Economy of Development
This course develops students’ understanding of how the complex interplay of international economic and political economy factors influence development initiatives and outcomes. The relation of trade, aid, and international institutions (WTO, IMF, World Bank) on development activity is examined using case studies. Different economic views will be examined.
Prerequisite: INDEV 100
INDEV 202 -
Accounting for Development Organizations
Students will obtain a fundamental understanding of financial and management concepts and an appreciation of the measurement issues and monetary impact of business decisions on communities, society and the environment. Topics include financial statement reporting and analysis, cost analysis, triple bottom-line reporting, corporate social responsibility including the Global Sullivan Principles, and green accounting.
Prerequisite course: INDEV 100
INDEV 212 -
Problem-solving for Development
Students will obtain an understanding of the fundamental features of creative thinking, decision-making and problem-solving from both a descriptive and a normative point of view. Techniques for analyzing problem-solving and decision-making by individuals and groups with particular attention to the impact of cultural difference among individuals and within teams. Techniques for improving problem-solving and decision-making in a community development context will be considered. Effective negotiation in different cultural contexts will be studied.
Prerequisite course: INDEV 100
INDEV 300 -
Culture and Ethics
Action-oriented visionaries see what ought to be and ask “why not”?’ But people differ on “what ought to be.” How do these differences arise and can reason resolve them? This course examines different cultural and ethical viewpoints on “what ought to be”, organizes them into a framework that both enables a theoretical comparison of similarities and differences, and provides practical direction for decision-making about real problems.
Prerequisite course: INDEV 100
INDEV 302 -
Development Agents
This course examines the nature, variety and inter-relationships of and among organizations, institutions, agencies and individuals involved in contemporary development activity. The many and various legal, political and financial factors that affect the organization and operation of development agents are studied with respect to implications for business model, management skills, governance oversight and public policy.
Prerequisite course: INDEV 100
INDEV 303- Marketing and Communication for Development Agents
This course teaches the principles of marketing relevant to development organizations. Fundamentals include dealing with the media, raising funds, reporting to investors/funding agencies, and crisis management.
Prerequisite course: INDEV 200, INDEV students only
INDEV304 -
Language Conversation for Development Field Work
This is a special intensive language course designed to develop a working verbal fluency in the language of the student’s field assignment.
Prerequisite course: INDEV 100
INDEV 308 -
Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
This course uses the case study method to examine the challenges of starting, funding and operating an early-stage social change venture in a developing country. The focus is on ventures that address urbanization and poverty. Students explore the complexities of managing and sustaining growth, the role of governing boards, and the role of private sector partnerships and resources. Innovative public/private partnerships are examined for the challenges and opportunities of engaging diverse partners with differing agendas through the eyes of the entrepreneur, investor/donor, local community leaders and legal counsel.
Prerequisite course: INDEV 100
INDEV 402 -
International Development Placement 2
This course has the same content as INDEV 401. INDEV 402 is normally taken immediately following INDEV 401 to form an eight month internship in the field. Students will complete the final report outlined in INDEV 401. Students are expected to have achieved, in advance, conversational ability in the appropriate language of the developing country/area of the placement. [Note: Students cover all travel and subsistence costs associated with the international placement.]
Prerequisite course: INDEV 401
INDEV 403 -
Marketing & Communication for Development Agents
This course allows students to put into practice the principles of marketing relevant to development organizations. Students will engage in fund raising activities relevant to their field placements.
Prerequisite courses: INDEV 303, INDEV students only
INDEV 404 - International Development Senior Project
This project course will place students in teams to develop, in significant detail, an innovative idea for change in a developing country and present it for funding approval to a diverse panel of ‘investors’ and local beneficiaries of the project.
Prerequisite courses: INDEV 100, 401
INDEV 474 - Special Topics in International Development
This course consists of directed readings leading to a research essay that focuses on an agreed aspect of the country of the student's field work placement. This course enhances the effectiveness of the field work and the field based courses by developing the student's knowledge of the development context and issues of the field placement.
Prerequisite courses: 4A INDEV students only
