GDS 100
3 credits
Introduction to Global Development Ideas and Practices
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introduction to evolving theories and approaches in the study and practice of development in global and local contexts. Students explore causes and impacts of global inequalities and injustices, and how different groups around the world are involved and impacted. Students also explore their role as global citizens and changemakers, and diverse ways to contribute to the global development sector.
Note: Students with credit for GEOG 109 cannot take this course for further credit.
GDS 204
3 credits
Development in the African Continent
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students are introduced to key social, economic, political, and environmental issues and challenges that have faced post-colonial African countries, with a focus on writings by scholars and development actors from the African continent.
GDS 210
3 credits
Local Development Practicum
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits and instructor’s permission; CMNS 155 recommended
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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
Globalization and Development
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 102 or GDS 100/GEOG 109.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the effects of globalization and development as processes of cultural change on local communities and cultures in the global South from anthropological and post-development perspectives.
Note: This course is offered as ANTH 220 and GDS 220. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GDS 260
3 credits
Gender and Global Development
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explores the gendered nature of development, drawing upon a wide variety of themes from several regions in the Global South. Examines the evolution and debates related to gender and development, as well as the diverse methods and approaches used by development practitioners to integrate gender issues and concerns into their work in international development organizations. Also, focuses on the policies of development actors, including Global Affairs Canada.
GDS 299
3 credits
Special Topics in Development Studies I
Prerequisite(s): GDS 100 or 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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 320
3 credits
Decolonizing Aid and Development
Prerequisite(s): 45 university level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore critical perspectives of development through the examination of post-colonial and post-development theories, as well as recent approaches and efforts to decolonize development practice. Students analyze the ethics and actions of a range of global development actors, and the impacts of the aid sector on systemic causes of oppression and inequality.
GDS 330
3 credits
Humanitarianism and Complex Emergencies
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students apply a critical perspective and use ethnographic texts to interrogate complex causes of conflicts and emergencies in the global South, responses of humanitarian actors, impacts on aid “recipients”, and intersecting challenges facing affected communities.
Note: Students with credit for GDS 299C, ANTH 299H, or ANTH 330 cannot take this course for further credit.
GDS 332
4 credits
Refugees, Displacement, and Development
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore the nature, impacts, and socio-political, economic, and environmental root causes of forced migration and internal displacement in the global South, while making linkages between displacement and development. Students analyze representations and narratives surrounding refugees and displaced persons and refugee camps, and responses and policies of governments and actors in the global South and North.
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.)
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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 370
3 credits
Fundamentals of Global Health and Development
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introduction to key issues in global health, and an exploration of critical perspectives on health policy and practice in the contexts of the global South and marginalized groups in the global North. Students will learn about intersecting social determinants of health and social inequalities, and health and development interlinkages.
Note: Students with credit for GDS 270 cannot take this course for further credit.
GDS 399
4 credits
Special Topics in Development Studies II
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits. Prior studies in GDS recommended.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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
3 credits
Global Development Capstone
Prerequisite(s): One of AIS 380, COOP 110, GDS 483, GEOG 396 (formerly also offered as GDS 310/SOC 396), GEOG 398 (formerly also offered as GDS 311/SOC 398), or SJGS 300.
Note: As of January 2027, prerequisites will change to one of AIS 380, COOP 110, GDS 483, or SJGS 300.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
In this capstone course, students explore and analyze their learnings and experiences during experiential learning courses, and critically reflect upon global development studies, practices, and professions.
GDS 483
6 credits
Directed Studies in Global Development Research
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including SJGS 395, and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students apply research skills and global development theories, concepts, and approaches to a local or global research project.
Note: Course details will be specified in an individual learning proposal and syllabus
