International Development Research Project

This Capstone course for the International Development Major enables student to synthesize, consolidate and apply their previously acquired knowledge and skills. The course provides an opportunity for students to deeply investigate a particular area of scholarship and professional practice in international development. Students will be undertaking a substantial research project which requires independent investigation and critical analysis of a specific development issue, theory or practice of international development. Student can choose 1) their own topic for this research project (e.g. climate change and development; human-rights based approaches to development; gender and development; international cooperation and governance of development); and 2) a specific country or region as a focus of their research and analysis. They will produce a report which needs to reflect current knowledge, policies and practices in regards to the chosen topic, and which provides feasible recommendations on how policies and practices can be improved. Student engagement and active and collaborative learning is achieved through a series of workshops.