Development Studies examines the interaction of social, economic and political development in contemporary societies and is therefore, necessarily an interdisciplinary enterprise. Development Studies concentrators develop the skills and knowledge best suited to their chosen geographical area of interest, emphasizing what is historically and culturally distinctive about the region and how its development reflects general processes of socio-economic change. While the concentration produces graduates with expertise in the study of development, most concentrators combine their course work with first-hand experience in the developing world. Course selection should balance analytic training with local and historical knowledge. Therefore, courses must be taken in at least three social science disciplines to achieve an interdisciplinary approach to these processes of change.

Requirements

Concentrators in Development Studies must complete a total of 11 courses based on the following general guidelines. Any course may be substituted by a similar course approved by the Deputy Director.

Since study abroad is a potentially important part of the concentration, the possibility of spending part or all of the junior year in a developing world country should be discussed with concentration advisors and the Office of International Programs at the earliest possible time.