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.