This course implements a multidisciplinary approach in advancing understanding of the issues and challenges of development in contemporary contexts. It is designed to provide an integrated learning experience for students who aim to work on any aspect of development, enabling them to draw connections, identify challenges, and devise critically informed problem-solving strategies.

DVST 302 is a major course in the PhD Development Studies program. It complements the Development Theories and Frameworks course by providing opportunities for students to explore applications of various development frameworks in unpacking specific issues and needs in “people-centered” development practice. Given the multi-dimensional challenges of agriculture and rural development, poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, food security, environment and natural resource management, the course encompasses politics and governance, economics, and other social science fields.

After taking the course, the students are expected to be able to:

1.      discuss the evolution, issues, and challenges of development

2.      analyze the approaches and strategies in development practice; and

3.      propose innovative approaches and strategies in development practice.

This is an introductory graduate course about the policy analytic process as well as quantitative and qualitative methods of policy analysis. Students will be oriented on standard procedures for framing policy questions, designing policy options, weighing the costs and benefits of alternative courses of action, and evaluating actual outcomes.  Crucial to this learning would be the discussion of basic conceptual foundations, rationale for, and limitations of policy analysis. Students will also be guided in exploring the different techniques in policy analysis.  Ultimately, the goal is to enable students to become effective producers and consumers of policy analysis.

This course implements a multidisciplinary approach in advancing understanding of the issues and challenges of development in contemporary contexts. It is designed to provide an integrated learning experience for students who aim to work on any aspect of development, enabling them to draw connections, identify challenges, and devise critically informed problem-solving strategies.

DVST 302 is a major course in the PhD Development Studies program. It complements the Development Theories and Frameworks course by providing opportunities for students to explore applications of various development frameworks in unpacking specific issues and needs in “people-centered” development practice. Given the multi-dimensional challenges of agriculture and rural development, poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, food security, environment and natural resource management, the course encompasses politics and governance, economics, and other social science fields. 


DM 241 introduces students to concepts, theories and practice of leadership in a development setting.