This is an introductory course to the international development field. The focus is on some of the key questions, challenges and achievements in this field. Materials from the course (readings, documentaries, coverage of current events) will enhance your understanding of the complex causes and dimensions of poverty and the approaches to poverty alleviation, the role of inter/national development actors, organizations and institutions, the post-2015 Development Goals and the promises of greater inclusion and empowerment of women and youth. You will be exposed to the theoretical foundations of the field and will be expected to make sense of these by following current events and drawing on your internship experiences in the nation’s Capital as well as on your interactions with various experts, policy makers and development practitioners. The ultimate goal of the course is to enhance your understanding of the development field and encourage you to articulate your individual perspective on its successes and challenges.
Taught by Dr. Loubna Skalli Hanna
*For all semester students, the final four weeks of this semester (March 16 - April 13) will be spent in a special topics module led by Professor Jennifer Diascro. This module will account for 15% of the core seminar final course grade. Dr. Skalli Hannah will remain your instructor of record for the term, responsible for computing and submitting final course grades. The day and time of the module may not be on the same day or at the same time as the International Development seminar, but will accommodate all student internship and elective schedules. The syllabus for the module can be found at the end of Dr. Skalli Hannah's syllabus (below). NO additional registration required.