GDS 100
3 credits
A World of Development
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces the processes and practices of development in global and local contexts. Examples from around the world are used to illustrate both “natural” and planned development activities and their consequences. The course may be team taught by faculty from the different departments involved in the GDS program.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please refer to the department website for field trip scheduling information.
GDS 210
3 credits
Local Development Practicum
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits and instructor’s permission; CMNS 155 recommended
This course provides a supervised experience in a development-related work situation, usually as a volunteer. Students will have an opportunity to practice skills and test knowledge gained in GDS core courses and to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to work effectively in a development agency. There will be a monthly seminar in which work experiences will be presented, analyzed, and discussed. This course is valuable in helping students to prepare for subsequent internships (GDS 310 and 311).
GDS 220
3 credits
Culture Change: Accommodation, Resistance, and Transformation
Prerequisite(s): 18 university-level credits or one of GDS 100, ANTH 102, or LAS 100 will be required.
Using case studies from around the world and particularly from Latin America, this course examines the changes in societies and cultures as a consequence of the incorporation of local cultures and economies into a global economic system driven by capitalism. Attention is given to the peasantry (indigenous and non-indigenous), and to cultural changes due to processes such as globalization, racialization, economic and technological change, population pressures and the availability of land, the commercialization of agriculture, colonization programs, Indigenous rights movements, migration, and urbanization. We will be particularly concerned with how Indigenous peoples, the poor, and marginalized communities have accommodated, resisted, and transformed cultural, economic, and political domination.
Note: This course is offered as ANTH 220 and GDS 220. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GDS 250
3 credits
Sociology of Development -- The Global South
Prerequisite(s): 18 university-level credits or one of SOC 101, GDS 100, or LAS 100
This course is an introduction to the sociology of international development, looking at the nature and development of the global south (the largest part of the global social system), its relationship to the global north, and major explanations of underdevelopment. The key role of Latin America in the origins and transformation of the world system is examined, as well as its importance in the construction of development theories and strategies. Case studies from around the world, and particularly from Latin America, are used to critically evaluate development issues (e.g. gender, environment, health, education, fair trade, etc.) and the alternative paths of development
Note: This course is offered as SOC 250 and GDS 250. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GDS 310
6 credits
Canada Internship
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, instructor’s permission, and department head’s permission.
This course provides a Canadian experiential learning opportunity for students to apply their classroom learning in a workplace setting under the supervision of a vetted business, government agency, or NGO.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 396, SOC 396 and GDS 310. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GDS 311
6 credits
International Internship
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, instructor’s permission, and department head’s permission.
This course provides an international experiential learning opportunity for students to apply their classroom learning in a workplace setting under the supervision of a vetted business, government agency, or NGO.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 398, GDS 311, and SOC 398 Students may take only one of these for credit.
GDS 340
4 credits
Geographies of Poverty and Development
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
This course uses an interdisciplinary framework to critically examine diverse approaches to implementing socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable development initiatives, in Canada and internationally, with emphases on the environment, food security, natural resources, climate change, and community participation.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 340 and GDS 340. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GDS 363
4 credits
Processes of Development and Underdevelopment: Latin America
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits, to include at least 6 credits of Sociology, Anthropology, LAS, or GDS. (SOC 250, ANTH 220, LAS 200 and GDS 100 are recommended.)
This course is an examination of theories and strategies of socioeconomic development and underdevelopment as applied to the Global South from 1945 until the present. Special attention will be paid to Latin America as the source of several development theories and the best example of the application of related development strategies.
Note: This course is offered as SOC 363, ANTH 363, LAS 363 and GDS 363. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GDS 400
4 credits
Global Development Seminar
Prerequisite(s): GDS 310 or 311
This is the capstone course for the Global Development Studies program. It brings together GDS students to present, analyze, and compare different field experiences and to see how various activities fit together in the pursuit of development. Student-selected development issues are subjected to critical discussion. Students work toward an understanding of their personal values in relation to the practice of development.
