Program Advisor: Ray Vander Zaag, Ph.D. (web page)

In this interdisciplinary field of inquiry, you will be challenged to explore the causes and consequences of processes that promote some individuals, communities, and nations—and exclude others. Moreover, you will be prepared for citizenship in an increasingly interdependent global community, and be encouraged to envision paths toward a transformed, just world.

At CMU, you can study International Development Studies as a four-year major (minimum 48 credit hours), a three-year major (minimum 36 credit hours), or a minor (minimum 18 credit hours) within the Bachelor of Arts.

Go here for information about the requirements of this program (PDF).
For specific questions about this program, contact the Program Advisor.

Find below a list of courses CMU offers in the field of International Development Studies. We offer the introductory course each year. Other courses are offered in a rotation so that students will have opportunity to take all the courses required by their majors or minors over the years of their studies at CMU.

Since this is an interdisciplinary major, you may take courses from various other subject fields to complete your major. For information on the other courses you can use for majors and minors in International Development Studies, see the lists within the degree program descriptions (page 29).

Courses

The following section contains a complete list of courses for its curriculum. For current course listings please see the Course Description section of our website.

IDS-1010/3 Introduction to International Development Studies I (Formerly: 30.110/6): This course will survey the main development issues of countries in the South—Africa, Asia and Latin America—and developing communities in Canada, with emphasis on issues of poverty, gender relations, and the environment. The course examines conceptions and theories of development and explores the global, national, and community dynamics of development and underdevelopment.

IDS-1020/3 Introduction to International Development Studies II (Formerly: 30.110/6): This course will continue to survey the main development issues of countries in the South—Africa, Asia and Latin America—and developing communities in Canada, with emphasis on issues of poverty, gender relations, and the environment. The course examines conceptions and theories of development and explores the global, national, and community dynamics of development and underdevelopment.

IDS-2000/3 The Project Cycle (Formerly: 30.200/3): Timelimited projects remain an important way in which development and other social change assistance are delivered by non-profit agencies. The course will introduce the elements and practices of the project cycle, from identification and planning, through monitoring and evaluation of project implementation, including key issues in the project cycle, such as logical frameworks, managing for results, participatory planning and evaluation, appreciative approaches, and capacity building. Prerequisite: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6 or BUSI-1000.

ECON/IDS-2010/3 Economics of Development (Formerly: 22/30.201/3): This course introduces neoclassical and alternative economic theories relevant to understanding various aspects of development: (i) national aspects, including theories of growth, inequality, labour, and the role of the state; (ii) international aspects, including theories of finance, international financial institutions, trade and globalization; and (iii) sub-national aspects of development, including theories of growth linkages, micro-credit and community economic development. Prerequisites: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6 or both ECON-1000/3 and 1010/3.

HIST/IDS-2070/6 History of the Developing World (Formerly: 61/30.207/6): This course examines the historical
roots of development and underdevelopment, processes that have led to the emergence of the contemporary developing world or Third World as a distinctive, though diverse region. It surveys trends such as colonization, industrialization, militarization and trade in the South from the 15th to the 20th century. It investigates the ways in which both external pressures and internal dynamics have contributed to continuity and change in these regions. Prerequisite: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6 or 6 credit hours of 1000 or 2000-level History. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-2110/3 Participatory Local Development (Formerly: 30.210/3): The failure of large scale development efforts to eradicate poverty in the South—Asia, Africa, and Latin America—and developing communities in Canada has led to a search for alternative participatory, community development projects. This course examines historic efforts at participatory development, including community development and co-operative formation, and then considers the attention given to non-governmental organizations and grassroots movements today. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

IDS-2131/3 Rural Development (Formerly: 30.250/3): This course examines changes to rural society and economy in the South—Africa, Asia, and Latin America— and rural communities in Canada brought about historically by colonialism and more recently through modern development efforts. Discussion highlights the impact of agrarian reform, technological change, and domestic government policies on economic development and social differentiation. Prerequisite: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

IDS-2171/3 Crisis, Humanitarian Aid, and Development (Formerly: 30.230/3): Today, crises threaten global human
security as never before. These crises are caused by a complex mix of natural hazards (such as floods, earthquakes or droughts) and human action. This course will identify the main institutions and organizations providing humanitarian aid, and critically examine their efforts to improve aid quality and their own accountability. It will also explore the ways in which humanitarian aid can help to reduce vulnerability to crises and enhance, rather than undermine capacities for development. Prerequisites: None, IDS- IDS-1020/3 is recommended.

IDS-2183/3 African Development Issues (Formerly: 30.232/3): This case study course will survey a subset of the theories, processes, policies, and practice of development and underdevelopment in the diverse and complex context of Africa. While exploring development problems and possible solutions, this course will also highlight the tremendously rich and diverse cultural, social and economic experience of African peoples and communities. Prerequisite: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-2184/3 Asia/Pacific Development Issues (Formerly: 30.233/3): This case study course will survey a subset of the theories, processes, policies, and practice of development and underdevelopment in the diverse and quickly changing context of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Asian communities and nations have been affected in diverse and complex ways by the contemporary expansion and deepening of global capitalism. Prerequisite: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-2185/3 Latin American/Caribbean Development Issues (Formerly: 30.2340/3): This case study course will survey a subset of the theories, processes, policies, and practice of development and underdevelopment in the diverse and dynamic context of Latin America and the Caribbean. People and communities from the region have also been the source of significant critical literature in development studies, including Dependency Theory and Liberation Theology. Prerequisite: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-2310/3 Topics in International Development Studies (Formerly: 30.231/3): This course presents an in-depth view of a particular problem of development in the South. The case study method will be adopted to explore the complexity of the issue in real settings utilizing both theoretical and applied concepts. Prerequisite IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

IDS-2350/3 Indigenous People and the Industrial State (Formerly: 30.235/3): The course considers the situation of indigenous peoples in the regions of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. While these people have distinct cultural histories, their relations to nation-states are similar in important ways. Tensions between indigenous people and the industrial state centre on such issues as external market dependency, diversification, and size of the government sector. Students will critique standard definitions of progress and efficiency. The implications of contemporary industrial development projects for the future of human societies are studied within the framework of the primal insights, values, and definitions shared by indigenous peoples throughout the globe. Prerequisites IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6 or ANTH-1610/3. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

PCTS/IDS-2443/3 Conflict and Development Issues in Indigenous Communities (Formerly: 20/30.251/3): Within the broad framework of international development and conflict transformation studies, this course explores the dynamics of indigenous communities globally, with special reference to the Canadian context. Processes of marginalization and underdevelopment will be presented in order to understand indigenous communities’ social, economic and political situation. Prerequisites: either PCTS- 1010/3 and 1020/3 or former PCTS-1100/6 or IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-2521/3 Study of Voluntary Simplicity (Formerly: 30.252/3): Within International Development Studies, development is increasingly understood as a participatory, deliberate process aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals within community. This course examines the concept, theory, and practice of voluntary simplicity as a means of development for individuals seeking alternatives to consumer values and culture. The course explores both the historical roots of voluntary simplicity and its modern expressions, with special emphasis on the relevance of simplicity to building emotional well-being, vibrant community, sustainable environment, and social justice.

IDS-2950/3 Topics in International Development Studies (Formerly: 30.295/3): The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: IDS- 1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

HIST/IDS-3020/3 History of Globalization (Formerly: 61/30.302/3): This seminar course will explore what history contributes to our understanding of globalization and look at some of the ways historians have approached globalization. It will survey changing forms of globalization, including non- Western aspects of globalization, over the last millennium. Prerequisites: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including either IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6 or 6 credit hours of 1000-level history. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-3101/3 Development Ethics (Formerly: 30.320/3): This course will reflect in a systematic way on the ethical questions posed by development theory, planning, and practice. It will introduce frameworks for ethical decisionmaking in development. The course will use case studies to explore questions like: How are decisions about goals of development made? How are the costs of development distributed? What are acceptable means in planned development activity, and who has the right to engage in this activity? How far do answers to such questions differ between cultures and ideologies, and is agreement on these answers either possible or desirable? Prerequisites: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6 or permission of the instructor. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-3111/3 An Analysis of Development Aid Policy (Formerly: 30.311/3): This course explores ideology, debates,
policies, and program of macro development agencies. The course begins with an examination of the ideology of neoliberalism and the policies of structural adjustment and considers how these affect the South. This is followed by an analysis of the principal actors of macro development and an examination of important issues within the donor community, e.g., poverty and gender imbalance, economic growth and environmental degradation. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

IDS-3160/3 Cultural Perspectives on Global Processes (Formerly: 30.331/3): The focus of this course is threefold.
First, it seeks to apply cultural perspectives on ‘global scale theory.’ Second, we will discern the linkages among some of the main processes at work in ‘global systems.’ Main processes include communications, transportation, migration, capital, manufacture of export goods, non-state political organizations, and environmental and human health research. The emphasis will be on how two or more of these interact. Third, we will discuss the effects of these processes in local and regional contexts. The specific processes and their salient interrelationships will be chosen in response to interests of those taking the course, and will be developed by group reading and discussion, and individually in term paper projects. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-3901/3 Humanitarian Aid and Conflict (Formerly: 30.312/3): This course addresses the nature of contemporary armed conflicts and the role they play in generating complex emergencies, and debates about the effectiveness and appropriateness of different kinds of aid. Models of humanitarian aid provision that minimize negative impacts, through analysis of aid’s impact on the conflict and its effectiveness at meeting human needs, will be explored. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS/PCTS-3920/3 Action Research Methods (Formerly: 30/20.352/3): Students will investigate research and field methods used by researchers and practitioners in community settings. Participants will reflect on the ethics, values, ideologies, and constraints influencing the researcher. Major assignments provide basic skills needed to design and conduct action-oriented research, for example theory-building; questionnaires; interviewing; life histories; focus groups, participatory learning, and post-field work activities. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-3950/3 Topics in International Development Studies (Formerly: 30.395/3): The content of this course will vary
from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level study, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

IDS-4100/3 Senior Seminar in International Development Studies (Formerly: 30.412/3): Students will examine the construction and application of development theory within the community, meso, and global contexts. Participants will examine cultural, social, material, and political processes of successful and unsuccessful development. World Systems Theory and literature at the micro level, including Amartya Sen’s entitlement approach and the growing literature on resistance and transformation, e.g., James Scott and David Korten may be examined. Prerequisites: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/3, IDS-2110/3, 3111/3, and at least 3 credit hours of IDS related practicum. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-4110/6 Development Theory (Formerly: 30.415/6): This honours seminar will take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of theories that have shaped the conceptualization and practice of development around the world. This will include critical attention to the nature of development theory, the processes through which theory is generated, and the context in which different theories have emerged and in which some became dominant. The seminar will focus on current versions of general development theories such as modernization, structuralism, Marxism, dependency, neoclassical and neoliberal, alternative development, and post-development. Examples of current theories that address key development issues will also be covered. Prerequisites: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6,2110/3, 3111/3, 3101/3, and a practicum relating to IDS, or permission of the instructor. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-4120/3 Honours Thesis (Formerly: 30.416/3): Students in this course will plan and carry out an original research project related to International Development Studies. This research project will result in the writing and oral presentation of an honours thesis whose length and format will be based on standards for submission to a scholarly journal. Students will also engage in consultation with a research advisor and participate in collegial support processes for their research project. Note: Students are strongly encouraged to complete their research requirements for the IDS Honours program before enrolling in this course. Prerequisites: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6, 2110/3, 3111/3, 3101/3, and a practicum relating to IDS, or permission of the instructor. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-4130/3 Mennonite Community and Development (Formerly: 30.413/3): Students are challenged to analyze the Mennonite experience in service and peace work. The objective is to highlight values and techniques that distinguish a unique approach. Speakers and literature describing the work of the Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Economic Development Agency and of ecumenical groups such as the Canadian Foodgrains Bank provide examples for reflection and analysis. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

IDS/INTG-4140/3 Religion and Development (Formerly: 30.414/3): This course will examine the links between religion and development, both philosophically and empirically. It will provide an analysis of particular Christian, Islamic and Buddhist understandings and approaches to development, as well as several other faith-based approaches, depending on student interests. It will examine the role and ethics of faith-based NGOs in development assistance, and investigate how development agents can design interventions that appropriately relate to the religious belief systems that underlie local knowledge in such areas as agriculture, health, and social organization. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

PCTS/IDS-4910/3 Conflict and the Construction of the Other (Formerly: 20.450/3): This seminar addresses a central
question raised in postcolonial theory about the way humans construct and maintain an understanding of the Other. We ask the question, “Have scholars found the idea of the Other useful as a synthesizing concept?” This problem-based, interdisciplinary seminar considers particular sites of struggle in cultural, social and individual contexts. Finally, we ask about the implications of this inquiry for our cultural, social and individual circumstances. Prerequisites: either PCTS-1010/3 and 1020/3 or former PCTS-1100/6 and 3100/3; or IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6, 2110/3, and 3111/3.

IDS-4920 Program Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (Formerly: 30/44.451/3): Planning, monitoring and evaluation
are essential parts of the process of intervention. Students are introduced to theory and application of planning techniques and processes. Participants review alternative approaches emerging from choices among different forms of knowledge, analysis, practice and action. Assignments provide opportunities to exercise skills needed for project design and implementation. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS- 1100/6 for IDS students or BUSI-2020/3 and 2030/3 for students in Business and Organizational Administration. Offered primarily at Menno Simons College.

IDS-4940 Independent Study in IDS (Formerly: 30.494/3): A study in a specific area of IDS under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6, and a minimum of 60 credit hours of post-secondary education.

IDS-4950/3 Topics in International Development Studies (Formerly: 30.495/3): The content of this course will vary
from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level study, including IDS-1020/3 or former IDS-1100/6.

Note on Courses in International Development Studies at Menno Simons College—It may be advantageous or necessary for a student majoring in International Development Studies at CMU (Shaftesbury campus) to complete some courses at Menno Simons College (on the University of Winnipeg campus). Some of the courses listed above are offered primarily at Menno Simons College.