Global Systems and Development

A critical analysis of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of development and underdevelopment (i.e., how and why development happens, or fails to happen). The course examines a range of development projects and their effects, and explores selected issues like famine and hunger, the environment, human rights, racial/ethnic conflict, north-south relations, and alternative approaches to development. It provides students with the theoretical and conceptual tools to analyze the global economic system, international aid and humanitarian assistance, and the broader development arena.