IDEV*1000 - Understanding Development and Global Inequalities
Course Description
The objective of the course is to provide an introduction to the study of international development as a contested and evolving effort to counteract global inequalities. Students will learn about the historical and political origins of the international development system, as well as the main development actors and institutions. The course will provide an introduction to foundational concepts within development studies, including poverty, inequality, human rights, foreign aid, and sustainable development.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:
- Participate in debates about contemporary development challenges by evaluating ideas and perspectives from popular non-fiction books, documentaries, media, and other sources;
- Analyze the historical and political origins of the international development system;
- Describe key actors and institutions within international development and identify different perspectives about their roles;
- Outline how culture, gender, and other aspects of identity play a role in multiple issue areas across development studies; and
- Explain the practical and ethical challenges of working in intercultural contexts, and, by reflecting on cultural identities, develop intercultural skills.
Course Topics
- What is Development?
- European Colonialism
- Colonizing Canada
- Poverty and Inequality
- Globalization
- Humanitarian Aid
- Gender and Development
- International Migration and Refugees
- Civil Society and Development
- Popular Presentations of Development
- Voluntourism
Additional Requirements
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): None
Equate(s): None
Restriction(s): None
Assessment
| Assessment Item | Weight | Learning Outcomes |
| Weekly Discussions | 30% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Quizzes | 10% | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Research Context Paper | 15% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Analytical Book Review | 20% | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Final Exam | 25% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Total | 100% |
Note:
Additional Technical Requirements
This course will use the following:
- Respondus tool to invigilate one or more exams.
Please view the Technical Considerations.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Certificate in Business : Electives
Technical Requirements
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*Course details are subject to change.