GDEV 1102

Introduction to Global Development

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course introduces students to the history of the idea of Development and to key definitions, theories, measures and debates in the study and practice of Global Development. We draw upon a variety of disciplines to address some of the big questions of this field: What is Development? How do we measure Development? Why are some countries (and people) poorer than others? Who are the key actors in the field of Global Development and how have they changed over time? What are some promising Development interventions? How should we think about our own role in Development?In exploring these questions, we will draw upon a variety of perspectives and approaches, and will likely end up with a range of answers. The field of Development is rich with exciting ideas and contentious debates. To this end, we may find that we (respectfully) disagree on what Development is, whether we should even use the term, and on the best route for global change. However, this class is intended to provide you with the skills to be an active participant in debates about Global Development (including questions of poverty, inequality, and justice). Drawing both from the fields of Development Studies, which focuses on the theoretical explanations of social change, and Development practice, which seeks to promote positive social change through action, you will gain exposure to both conceptual frameworks and current practices.

Distribution Requirements (D-AG, SBA-AG)

Exploratory Studies (CU-SBY)

Last 4 terms offered (None)

Outcomes REF-FA25

• Define constructs including Development, poverty, inequality, inequity, and justice.
• Analyze the role of colonialism in shaping power relationships between developing and developed countries and how these historical relationships shape the Development paradigm.
• Identify a range of indicators used to measure Development (i.e., GDP, HDI, Happiness, etc.) and identify their assumptions and limitations.
• Describe the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) project and targets.
• Examine some current datasets on Development (i.e., World Development Indicators, etc.)
• Compare the basic assumptions, arguments, and perspectives of Modernization Theory, Dependency Theory, World Systems Theory, and Neoliberalism.
• Map the range of actors that participate in the Development project (the state, the market, civil society, etc.) and the different roles they have played over time.
• Explain how a variety of fields have approached Development projects, and what factors they tend to emphasize (i.e., sociology, economics, political science, demography, natural/physical sciences).
• Describe how Development projects are monitored and evaluated (i.e., how do we know what worked) and the possibility of unintended consequences.
• Critically evaluate the ethics of Development interventions, at home and abroad, and who gets to set the agenda and participate in these activities.

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