The trans-disciplinary field of international development (INDEV) has evolved significantly over the past 25 years. Governments, civil society organizations, and private enterprises increasingly are looking for people with a rigorous preparation that has equipped them to be development catalysts at the community project level. International Development students will acquire the knowledge, business skills, and problem solving orientation required to improve life for all members of challenged communities in a manner that is environmentally sustainable, culturally responsible, and scientifically sound.
In addition to preparing development catalysts, due to its multi–disciplinary character, the Honours International Development plan, when supplemented by Arts electives, constitutes a contemporary general education for a 21st century global village world. From scientific method to political economy to business skills, the plan lays a foundation for a cosmopolitan hommes d’affaires.
The Honours International Development plan has been designed to: (1) integrate knowledge from several disciplines including environmental studies, social sciences, and management; (2) develop competencies for adapting to different cultural and societal perspectives on development, for problem-solving on multi-cultural teams, and for adapting technology to fit the local situation, and (3) encourage innovative, sustainable solutions to development issues. The plan emphasizes project-oriented learning that incorporates a strong problem-solving theme on issues that are inherently multi-dimensional and complicated by differing cultural perspectives on desired development outcomes. An eight month required field placement provides practical exposure to development work and issues.
In the first year, the plan provides an overview of the development field, a basic understanding of economics, and a thorough introduction to the environment, geography, and the principles of planning. These themes are continued in years two and three with environmental research methods, principles of ecology and environmental assessment. In addition, in year two students are introduced to the relationship of politics and economics, the tools of general and social accounting, and the theory and practice of problem-solving in development contexts. The third year begins to address aspects of living and working in another culture. Courses in third year discuss ethical issues between and within cultures, the challenges of inter-cultural communication, and the role of development organizations including the importance of the individual social entrepreneur. Second language preparation also begins in third year.
The fourth year will require 4 terms to complete. In 4A, language preparation is completed and the field placement is introduced. Between 4A and 4B, there are two consecutive terms of field placement work and learning. Students return to campus for 4B to integrate their experience and knowledge by completing a capstone senior project course and the final business skill course of marketing and communication.
Additional information may be obtained from the Director, Honours International Development Plan.