COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
IDS-1100/6 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (Le3)
The purpose of this course is to survey the main development issues in
countries of the South in an interdisciplinary fashion. While the focus
of the course will principally be on Africa, Asia, and Latin America,
efforts will be made to draw parallels and connections with the North,
including Canada. The course will evaluate what has been done in the
name of development, particularly in light of issues of poverty, gender,
and the environment. The course begins by evaluating alternative
definitions and theories of development. This is followed by an analysis
of the external factors which influence the South today and during the
colonial period. Finally, the course looks at the internal dynamics of
development by considering issues such as industrialization and
agricultural development.
Restrictions: Students may not hold credit in both this course and
the former MSC-2201/6.
IDS-2110/3 PARTICIPATORY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT (Le3)
This course focuses
on the participatory, local-level development models pursued by a range
of community-based, non-governmental and public agencies as alternatives
to national models focused on economic growth and global
competitiveness. It examines the nature of chronic poverty and reviews
historic efforts at community development, community economic
development and cooperative formation. It analyzes current emphases on
participation and empowerment, gender equity, social capital,
sustainable livelihoods, social justice and local governance. Students
will examine these issues in the context of sectoral programs in
micro-finance, community-based social services, agricultural
development, community-based natural resource management and
organizational capacity building.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or permission of instructor.
Restrictions: Students may not hold credit in both this course and
the former 98.2110/3 or the former IDS (60)-3110/3.
IDS-2130/6 A HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD (Le2, S1)
This course
examines the historical roots of development and underdevelopment,
processes that have led to the emergence of the developing world or
Third World as a distinctive, though diverse region. It surveys trends
such as colonization, industrialization, militarization and trade in the
South from the 15th to the 20th century. It investigates the ways in
which both external pressures and internal dynamics have contributed to
continuity and change in these regions. This course will help students
to understand the historical context for contemporary changes in
developing countries, as well as the context in which particular
development theories and practices emerged.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or HIST-1010/6, or permission of
instructor.
Cross-Listed: History HIST-2130/6.
IDS-2131/3 RURAL DEVELOPMENT (Le3)
This course examines changes to
rural society and economy in the South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America)
brought about historically by colonialism, and more recently through
modern development efforts. The course begins by considering how
colonialism and expansion of capitalism reoriented agriculture and rural
society towards a more global focus. Modern development efforts are then
evaluated in light of their impact on rural economy and society.
Discussion then highlights the impact of agrarian reform, technological
change, and domestic government policies on economic development and
social differentiation. Both gender and environmental issues will be
interwoven throughout the course, and efforts will be made to draw
connections with rural change in Canada.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or permission of instructor.
IDS-2160/3 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THE INDUSTRIAL STATE (Le2, S1)
The
course considers the situation of Indigenous peoples in the regions of
Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. While these people have
distinct cultural histories, their relations to nation-states are
similar in important ways. Tensions between indigenous people and the
industrial state centre on such issues as external market dependency,
diversification, and size of the government sector. Students will
critique standard definitions of progress and efficiency. The
implications of contemporary industrial development projects for the
future of human societies are studied within the framework of the primal
insights, values and definitions shared by Indigenous peoples throughout
the globe.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or ANTH-1001/6 or ANTH-1002/3, or
permission of instructor.
Cross-Listed: Anthropology ANTH-2160/3.
IDS-2171/3 CRISIS, HUMANITARIAN AID AND DEVELOPMENT (Le3)
Today
crises threaten global human security as never before. These crises are
caused by a complex mix of natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes
or droughts and human action. Humanitarian aid is an important response
to crises, and an increasing part of international development aid. This
course identifies the main institutions and organizations providing
humanitarian aid, and critically examines their efforts to improve aid
quality and their own accountability. It also explores the ways in which
humanitarian aid can help to reduce vulnerability to crises and enhance,
rather than undermine, capacities for development.
Prerequisites: Six
credit hours successfully completed, or permission of instructor;
IDS-1100/6 is recommended.
IDS-2183/3 AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT ISSUES (Le2, S1)
This case study
course will survey a subset of the theories, processes, policies and
practice of development and underdevelopment in the diverse and complex
context of Africa. In the face of intensifying global capital processes
and declining humanitarian efforts, many African communities and
countries face serious challenges. While exploring development problems
and possible solutions, this course will also highlight the tremendously
rich and diverse cultural, social and economic experience of African
peoples and communities.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or permission of
instructor.
IDS-2184/3 ASIA/PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES (Le2, S1)
This case study
course will survey a subset of the theories, processes, policies and
practice of development and underdevelopment in the diverse and quickly
changing context of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Asian communities and
nations have been affected in diverse and complex ways by the
contemporary expansion and deepening of global capitalism. This course
will examine some of these changes and explore related issues like human
rights and environmental degradation. While exploring development
problems and possible solutions, this course will also highlight the
tremendously rich and diverse cultural, social and economic experience
of Asian and Pacific Island peoples and communities.
Prerequisites:
IDS-1100/6 or permission of instructor.
IDS-2185/3 LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT ISSUES (Le2, S1)
This
case study course will survey a subset of the theories, processes,
policies and practice of development and underdevelopment in the diverse
and dynamic context of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Latin
American and Caribbean region has been diversely affected by
contemporary globalization processes. People and communities from the
region have also been the source of significant critical literature in
development studies, including Dependency Theory and Liberation
Theology. While exploring development problems and possible solutions,
this course will also highlight the tremendously rich and diverse
cultural, social and economic experience of Latin American and Caribbean
peoples and communities.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or permission of
instructor.
IDS-2443/3 CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
(Le3)
This course explores the dynamics of indigenous peoples globally,
with special reference to the Canadian context, within the broad
frameworks of development and conflict resolution. The course begins by
describing key elements of indigenous culture and worldview. From the
perspective of conflict resolution studies, inter- and intra-group
conflict and conflict resolution processes involving indigenous
communities will be explored. From the perspective of international
development studies, processes of marginalization and underdevelopment
will be presented to understand the indigenous communities' social,
economic and political situation. Strategies for community development
and conflict resolution will be highlighted as means to achieve
transformation.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or CRS-1200/6, or permission
of instructor.
Cross-listed: Conflict Resolution Studies CRS-2443/3.
IDS-2521/3 STUDY OF VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY (Le2, S1)
Within
International Development Studies, development is increasingly
understood as a participatory, deliberate process aimed at enhancing the
quality of life for individuals within community. This course examines
the concept, theory, and practice of voluntary simplicity as a means of
development for individuals seeking alternatives to consumer values and
culture. The course explores both the historical roots of voluntary
simplicity and its modern expressions, with special emphasis on the
relevance of simplicity to building emotional well-being, vibrant
community, sustainable environment, and social justice.
Prerequisite:
IDS-1100/6 or ENV-1600/3, or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed:
Environmental Studies ENV-2521/3.
IDS-2603/3 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: A GLOBAL DILEMMA (Le3)
This
course focuses on environmental factors relevant to understanding and
implementing sustainable development. Its aim is to teach students to
understand and appreciate fundamental ecological principles within the
context of social values and technological constraints. Moreover, the
course seeks to equip students to assess environmental problems from an
interdisciplinary perspective, and to develop strategies that might
solve these problems. Topics or issues that may be addressed include
ecosystem dynamics; feedback in environmental processes; the concepts of
carrying capacities and population thresholds; optimum yield theory;
loss of biodiversity; over-consumption and overpopulation;
deforestation, desertification, and pollution; energy demand versus
supply; urbanization trends; global warming; ozone layer depletion;
resource management, conservation and recovery; and environmental
monitoring and impact assessment. This course may be taken for major
credit in Environmental Studies/Urban Studies and International
Development Studies.
Prerequisites: ENV-1600/3 or IDS-1100/6, or
permission of instructor.
Cross-listed: Environmental Studies
ENV-2603/3.
IDS-3101/3 DEVELOPMENT ETHICS (Le1, S2)
This course examines in a
systematic way the ethical questions posed by development theory,
planning and practice. It introduces frameworks for ethical
decision-making in development. The course uses case studies to explore
questions like: How are decisions about goals of development made? How
are the costs of development distributed? What are acceptable means in
planned development activity, and who has the right to engage in this
activity? How far do answers to such questions differ between cultures
and ideologies, and is agreement on these answers either possible or
desirable?
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or permission of instructor.
IDS-3111/3 AN ANALYSIS OF DEVELOPMENT AID POLICIES (Le3)
This course
will focus on development aid policies and the administration of aid
programs of the developed countries. The course will examine specific
cases in a number of developing countries, with special emphasis on the
African and Asian continents. Lectures will scrutinize the impact of
bilateral, multilateral, and tied aid projects on developing countries,
and examine the effectiveness of human resource projects. The course
will challenge students to think in terms of sustainable development.
How can aid effectiveness be improved and sustainable development
achieved?
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or permission of instructor.
Restrictions: Students may not hold credit in both this course and the
former MSC-3201/3.
IDS-3141/3 THE PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITY ECONOMY (Le2, S1)
This course
examines theories of the community economy and analyzes strategies of
community economic participation. The study of the community economy is
rooted in both liberal (e.g. institutional economics) and critical
literature (e.g. neo-Marxist, social movement theory). Particular
theories come from community economic development; institutional
economics; cooperation and cooperative theories; social economy; and
natural resource management. Particular strategies include
micro-financial services, asset building, micro-enterprise development,
social enterprise, cooperative development, and community-based natural
resource management. This course builds on theories of community
development, participation, and social capital.
Prerequisites:
IDS-2110/3 (or the former IDS-3110/3.) AND ECON-1104/3 (or equivalent),
or permission of instructor.
IDS-3150/3 MENNONITE COMMUNITY AND DEVELOPMENT (S3)
This course
analyzes the experiences of the Mennonite community in service and peace
work. It highlights the values, approach, and methods particular to
Mennonite humanitarian work. The Mennonite tradition of holistic
development emphasizes individual transformation (providing the tools
for indigenous development) and social transformation (involving all
peoples in creating local, national, and global systems that are just).
The work of Mennonite organizations such as the Mennonite Central
Committee and the Mennonite Economic Development Agency, of ecumenical
organizations such as the Canadian Foodgrain Bank and InterChurch
Action, and of inter-organizational groups such as SEED Winnipeg will
provide examples for student reflection and analysis.
Prerequisites:
IDS-1100/6 or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed: Mennonite Studies
MENN-3150/3.
IDS-3160/3 CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL PROCESSES (Le1, S2)
The
focus of this course is threefold. First it seeks to apply cultural
perspectives on ‘global scale theory.’ Second, we will discern the
linkages among some of the main processes at work in 'global systems.'
Main processes include communications, transportation, migration,
capital, manufacture of export goods, non state political organizations,
and environmental and human health research. The emphasis will be on how
two or more of these interact. Third, we will discuss the effects of
these processes in local and regional contexts. The specific processes
and their salient interrelationships will be chosen in response to
interests of those taking the course, and will be developed by group
reading and discussion, and individually in term paper projects.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or ANTH-1001/6 or ANTH-1002/3, or permission
of instructor.
Cross-listed: Anthropology ANTH-3160/3.
IDS-3182/3 SELECTED TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (Le1,
S2)
This course presents an in depth view of a particular problem in
development, using theoretical and/or applied concepts. The nature and
range of topics covered will depend upon the instructor. Please see the
IDS Program for a specific course description.
Prerequisites:
IDS-1100/6, or permission of the coordinator or the instructor.
Restrictions: Students may repeat this course for credit, provided the
topic varies.
IDS-3193/3 DIRECTED READINGS IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (D)
In this course, readings and assignments in the area of International
Development Studies will be arranged between an individual student and
the instructor.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 and permission of instructor.
IDS-3198/6 PRACTICUM IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (AV)
The
practicum allows students to ground their academic learning with
experiential learning within the auspices of an overseas relief and
development agency. The practicum generally involves voluntary work with
an agency, exposing the participant to new cultural, social and/or
economic situations. Students integrate theory with practice through
seminar participation, and academic assignments.
Prerequisites:
IDS-1100/6, IDS-2110/3 (or the former IDS-3110/3), IDS-3111/3 AND
permission of Menno Simons College Practicum Director.
Restrictions:
This is a limited enrolment course and is generally only available to
students in overseas placements.
IDS-3199/3 PRACTICUM IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (AV)
The
practicum allows students to ground their academic learning with
experiential learning within the auspices of a local or overseas relief
and development agency. The practicum generally involves voluntary work
with an agency, exposing the participant to new cultural, social and/or
economic situations. Students integrate theory with practice through
seminar participation, and academic assignments.
Prerequisites:
IDS-1100/6, IDS-2110/3 (or the former IDS-3110/3), IDS-3111/3 AND
permission of Menno Simons College Practicum Director.
Restrictions:
This is a limited enrolment course
IDS-3901/3 HUMANITARIAN AID AND CONFLICT (Le2, S1)
The problems of
providing humanitarian aid in complex emergencies, that is where need is
created in part by armed conflict, are the focus of this course. In such
settings, both material aid and intervention have multiple impacts. This
course addresses the nature of contemporary armed conflicts and the role
they play in generating complex emergencies, the forms of humanitarian
aid provided in complex emergencies, and debates about the effectiveness
and appropriateness of different kinds of aid. Through analysis of aid’s
impact on the conflict and its effectiveness at meeting human needs, we
explore models of humanitarian aid provision that minimize negative
impacts.
Prerequisites: IDS-2171/3 or CRS-3220/3, or permission of
instructor.
Cross-listed: Conflict Resolution Studies CRS-3901/3.
IDS-3910/3 PEACE THEORY AND PRACTICE (Le, S3)
This course
investigates theories of peace. Theories of war and the practice of
warfare have been studied a great deal; theories of peace and the
practice of peace have been studied less. The course begins with
attempts to define peace — a task as difficult as that of defining war
and conflict—by drawing on key studies by peace research scholars like
Galtung, Reardon and Elshtain. The course is conducted in a modified
seminar format (half the course in large group format, the remainder
utilizing small group problem-based learning).
Prerequisites: CRS-1200/6
or IDS-1100/6 or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed: Conflict
Resolution Studies CRS-3910/3.
IDS-3920/3 ACTION RESEARCH METHODS (Le1, S2) This course investigates
the contemporary research and field work methods commonly used by
researchers and practitioners in the field of international development
studies. The course will emphasize activities that are necessary to
prepare the student to conduct research in the field. Issues in data
collection and in the context of field work will be discussed. The
following are some of the topics and techniques that will be dealt
within the course: planning for research, random sampling and surveys,
participatory rural appraisal, interviewing techniques, life history
analysis, conducting focus groups, integrating qualitative and
quantitative method, and post-field work activities.
Prerequisites:
IDS-1100/6 or CRS-1200/6, or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed:
Conflict Resolution Studies CRS-3920/3.
IDS-4100/3 SENIOR SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (S3,
P)
In this capstone seminar, students compare cross-disciplinary and
discipline-based approaches to various international development issues.
They also explore solutions to the problem of integrating development
theory and practice. Students articulate their own understanding of
development on the basis of critical reflection on examples of
successful and unsuccessful development. The seminar includes critical
reflection on students’ experiences with development issues in the
classroom, the practicum, or in extra-curricular activities.
Prerequisites: IDS-2110/3 (or the former IDS-3110/3), IDS-3101/3,
IDS-3111/3, and IDS-3199/3, or permission of instructor.
IDS-4110/6 DEVELOPMENT THEORY (S3)
This honours seminar takes an
interdisciplinary approach to the study of theories that have shaped the
conceptualization and practice of development around the world. This
includes critical attention to the nature of development theory, the
processes through which theory is generated, and the context in which
different theories have emerged and in which some became dominant. The
seminar focuses on current versions of general development theories such
as: modernization, structuralism, Marxism, dependency theory,
neoclassical and neoliberal theory, alternative development, and
post-development. Examples of current theories that focus on key
development issues are also covered.
Prerequisites: IDS-2110/3 (or the
former IDS-3110/3), IDS-3111/3, IDS-3101/3, AND IDS-3199/3, or
permission of instructor.
IDS-4120/3 HONOURS THESIS (PV) Students in this course will plan and
carry out an original research project related to International
Development Studies. This research project will result in the writing
and oral presentation of an honours thesis whose length and format will
be based on standards for submission to a scholarly journal. Students
will also engage in consultation with a research advisor and participate
in collegial support processes for their research project.
Prerequisites: IDS-2110/3 (or the former IDS-3110/3), IDS-3101/3,
IDS-3111/3, AND IDS-3199/3.
Note: Students are strongly encouraged to
complete their Research requirements for the IDS Honours program before
enrolling in this course.
IDS-4182/3 SELECTED TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (Le1,
S2)
This course presents an in depth study of a particular problem in
development, using theoretical and/or applied concepts. The nature and
range of topics covered will depend upon the Instructor. Please see the
IDS Program for a specific course description.
Prerequisites: IDS-2110/3
(or the former IDS-3110/3) AND IDS-3111/3, or permission of the
coordinator or the instructor.
Restrictions: Students may repeat this
course for credit, provided the topic varies.
IDS-4193/3 DIRECTED READINGS IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (D)
In this course, advanced readings and assignments in the area of
International Development Studies are arranged between an individual
student and instructor.
Prerequisites: IDS-2110/3, (or the former
IDS-3110/3), IDS-3101/3, IDS-3111/3, AND permission of the instructor.
IDS-4910/3 CONFLICT AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE OTHER (S3)
This seminar
addresses a central question raised in post-colonial theory about the
way humans construct and maintain an understanding of the Other. We ask
the question, “Have scholars found the idea of the Other useful as a
synthesizing concept?” This problem-based, interdisciplinary seminar
considers particular sites of struggle in cultural, social, and
individual contexts. Finally, we ask about the implications of this
inquiry for our cultural, social, and individual circumstances.
Prerequisites: CRS-1200/6, CRS-2210/3 and CRS-3220/3 or IDS-1100/6,
IDS-2110/3 (or the former IDS-3110/3) and IDS-3111/3, or permission of
instructor.
Cross-listed: Conflict Resolution Studies IDS-3910/3.
IDS-4920/3 PROGRAM PLANNING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION (Le2, S1)
Planning, monitoring, and evaluation are essential phases in the process
of intervention in both International Development and Conflict
Resolution Studies. This fourth-year course introduces students to the
theory and applications of fundamentals of program design and
implementation. Participants will examine elements of the project cycle
including planning approaches, indicator analysis, performance reporting
and review, and impact assessment. The possible roles of mediators,
donors, clients, and field workers will be considered. The course will
explore the formal mechanisms of development agencies and the way in
which they can change the shape of the program. The course will provide
the skills necessary for conceptualizing and implementing international
or domestic projects; it will also provide an opportunity for the
comparison of initiatives in International Development or Conflict
Resolution.
Prerequisites: IDS-1100/6 or CRS-1200/6, or permission of
instructor.
IDS/CRS-4922(3) Program Evaluation in Development and Conflict Resolution
In this course, students study systematic assessment of interventions designed to promote development and conflict resolution. The course covers formative evaluations required for program decision-making and summation evaluations applicable for analyzing outcomes and impacts to determine relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and potential for replication of programs normally implemented by non-governmental organizations. Current debates in approaches to evaluation are also reviewed. Students acquire skills in selecting relevant quantitative and qualitative indicators, various approaches to obtain measures for the indicators selected, approaches to analyzing collected data, and effective presentation of evaluation conclusions and recommendations. Cost-benefit analysis is covered in ECON-3316.
Prerequisite: IDS-1100(6) or CRS-1200(6) or permission of Instructor.
