Development Studies

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu/.

Overview

Development Studies is administered by the International & Area Studies Academic Program (IAS). The IAS provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of international and global issues. Comprised of six undergraduate majors  and three graduate degree programs , IAS is a unique intellectual domain. At a historical moment of unprecedented interconnectedness, IAS trains students in the knowledge and skills that are fundamental components of global citizenship and practice. IAS has strategically adopted an interdisciplinary approach to such training, with the belief that no single discipline can prepare students in the depth and breadth necessary for a complex and reflexive understanding of world history and contemporary globalization. Accordingly, IAS offers interdisciplinary core courses in fields such as Political Economy, Development Studies, and Peace & Conflict Studies, and then incorporates courses offered through many other departments, offering students a rigorous, but flexible, curriculum which recognizes that learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom.

The Development Studies major focuses on social transformation or change. The problems of social transformation are urgent, massive, complex, and often transcend the boundaries of conventional academic disciplines.

Undergraduate Program

Development Studies : BA

Graduate Program

There is no graduate program in Development Studies.

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Courses

Development Studies

DEV STD C10 Introduction to Development 4 Units

This course is designed as an introduction to comparative development. The course will be a general service course, as well as a prerequisite for the upper division 100 series. It is assumed that students enrolled in 10 know little about life in the Third World countries and are unfamiliar with the relevant theory in political economy of development and underdevelopment. The course will be structured around three critical concepts: land, labor, and work.

DEV STD 24 Freshman Seminar 1 Unit

The Freshman Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment is limited to 15 freshmen.

DEV STD C100 History of Development and Underdevelopment 4 Units

Historical review of the development of world economic systems and the impact of these developments on less advanced countries. Course objective is to provide a background against which to understand and assess theoretical interpretations of development and underdevelopment.

DEV STD 150 Advanced Studies in Development Studies 4 Units

Advanced multidisciplinary research in current issues and topics of development. Seminars will focus on specific geographical areas with appropriate comparative material included. A major research project is required as well as class presentations. Topics change each semester.

DEV STD 192 Senior Thesis 3 Units

This course is designed to provide a vehicle for undergraduate students interested in writing a major paper on a development topic. The paper should be approximately 30 pages in length. The student and faculty sponsor should agree upon the topic in advance.

DEV STD H195 Senior Honors Thesis Seminar 4 Units

Honors students are required to research and write a thesis based on the prospectus developed in International and Area Studies 102. The thesis work is reviewed by the honors instructor and a second reader to be selected based on the thesis topic. Weekly progress reports required.

DEV STD 197 Field Studies 1 - 4 Units

Supervised experience relevant to specific aspects of Development Studies in off-campus organizations. Regular individual meetings with faculty sponsor and written reports required.

DEV STD 198 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units

Directed group study (upper division).

DEV STD 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research for Undergraduates 1 - 4 Units

Enrollment is restricted by regulations of the College.

Contact Information

International and Area Studies Academic Program

101 Stephens Hall

Phone: 510-642-4466

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Department Co-Chair

Gillian Hart, PhD (Department of Geography)

551 McCone Hall

hart@berkeley.edu

Department Co-Chair

Michael Watts, PhD (Department of Geography)

555 McCone Hall

Phone: 510-642-3902

mwatts@berkeley.edu

Lead Undergraduate Academic Adviser

Susan Joerling

101 Stephens Hall

Phone: 510-643-4156

joerling@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Academic Adviser

Victoria Barone

101 Stephens Hall

Phone: 510-643-7282

vbarone@berkeley.edu

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