GDS 100
3 credits
A World of Development
Prerequisite(s): None.
An introduction to 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. Students will learn to critically assess and apply various development approaches and methods.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required. Please refer to the department website for field trip scheduling information.
Note: This course is offered as GDS 100 and GEOG 109. Students may take only one of these for credit.
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
Anthropology of Globalization and Development
Prerequisite(s): None. One of GDS 100, ANTH 102, or LAS 100 are recommended.
An examination of the effects of globalization and development on local cultures, especially peasant and Indigenous societies, across the global South, with an emphasis on Latin America, and their reactions of resistance, accommodation, and transformation.
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): None. Recommended: SOC 101, GDS 100, or any lower-level LAS course.
Examines the nature and development of the global South, its relationship to the global North, and major explanations of underdevelopment. Examples from around the world, particularly Latin America, are used to critically evaluate development issues (e.g. gender, environment, health, education, fair trade, etc.) and alternative development paths.
Note: This course is offered as SOC 250 and GDS 250. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GDS 299
3 credits
Special Topics in Development Studies I
Prerequisite(s): GDS 100 or 15 university-level credits.
An examination of a selected topic within development studies that is not addressed in current course offerings. Topics may include, but are not limited to, crisis and disaster relief, gender and development, and sustainable development.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
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 399
4 credits
Special Topics in Development Studies II
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits. Prior studies in GDS recommended.
An examination of a selected topic within development studies that is not addressed in current course offerings. Topics may include, but are not limited to, education and development, health and development, migration and refugees, Indigenous peoples’ development, and development project planning and management.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
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.
GDS 483
4 credits
Directed Studies in Global Development
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including GDS 340/GEOG 340 and GDS 363/SOC 363, and permission of the instructor, program chair, and dean.
Allows students to continue research in areas introduced in other courses, or to explore in depth the literature relating to specific issues in development studies.
Note: Details of the course will be specified in an individual learning contract.
