Global Development Studies
The Global Studies Development program asks students to think about what “development” means in social, political, and economic terms, both in the United States and around the globe. Our program is engaged in building a curriculum for the 21st century, an interdisciplinary intellectual experience bringing together perspectives on the theory and process of development from anthropology, the arts, economics, environmental science, history, philosophy, politics, religious studies, sociology, and other relevant disciplines. We are particularly interested in expanding opportunities for experiential learning within a liberal arts framework.
Requirements
Prerequisites (6 credits)
One approved Methods/Quantitative course:
- ECON 2010 - Principles of Economics: Microeconomics Credits: 3
- ECON 2020 - Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics Credits: 3
- MATH 1210 - A survey of Calculus I Credits: 3
- STAT 1601 - Introduction to Data Science with R Credits: 3
- STAT 1602 - Introduction to Data Science with Python Credits: 3
- STAT 2120 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis Credits: 4
- PSYC 1010 - Introductory Psychology Credits: 3
- PSYC 2005 - Research Methods and Data Analysis I Credits: 3
- PSYC 2600 - Introduction to Social Psychology Credits: 3
Core Courses (9 credits)
- GDS 3010 - Global Development, Theories and Case Studies, Part One Credits: 3
- Note: To be taken in the first semester of the student’s third year.
- GDS 3100 - Development on the Ground Credits: 3
- Note: To be taken in the first semester of the student’s third year.
- Note: Focuses on the practical, political and ethical issues that face development workers as they engage communities “on the ground” or “in the field.”
- GSGS 4200 - Applied Research in Global Studies Credits: 3
Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
- GDS 4991 - Fourth-Year Seminar Credits: 3
- Note: To be taken in the second semester of the student’s fourth year.
- Note: Each student will complete a major research paper.
Elective Courses (18 credits)
Six electives will be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor, who will help the student put together a suite of courses that will culminate in a research paper prepared for GDS 4991. All courses must be at or above the 3000 level. Generally, courses under the following mnemonics will count towards this requirement: AAS, AMST, ARTS, ANTH, ECON, ENGL, EVSC, GDS, GSGS, GSVS, GSSJ, GCCS, PHS, HIST, HIUS, HIAF, HIEA, HILA, HIME, HISA, MDST, MESA, RELG, RELA, RELB, RELC, RELH, RELI, RELJ, RELS, SOC, STS, WGS, STAT, LAST.
Language Competency
Completion/satisfaction of World Language Literacy as detailed in the College Curriculum. Students can meet the World Languages requirement by successfully completing one of the following courses of action:
- Earn exemption by placing beyond the 2020 level by examination
- Take 14 credits, or four semesters of a language in the proper sequence typically finishing at the 2020 level
- After placement, complete the remaining courses in the sequence up to the fourth semester (usually 2020)
Director
David Edmunds
Global Development Studies (GDS) Track Director; Associate Professor of Global Studies, A&S