Introduces basic theoretical concepts of development studies, the history of global inequality, and short histories of alternative development strategies. Case studies of Canada's ties to the so-called third world will include missionaries, military, business, and aid. Canadian colonialism over First Nations peoples will introduce basic issues in Aboriginal Studies.
Students will be able to:
| Section 1 | Introduction to the Course and the Idea of Development |
| Section 2 | Theories of Development: Modernization to Neo-Liberalism |
| Section 3 | Rethinking Development: Gender, Orientalism and Post Development |
| Section 4 | Legacies of Colonialism |
| Section 5 | Legacies of Colonialism in Canada |
| Section 6 | The Development Project |
| Section 7 | From Development to Globalization |
| Section 8 | Globalization in Practice |
| Section 9 | Globalization in Crisis |
| Section 10 | Canadian Foreign Policy and MNCs |
| Section 11 | Development Assistance, NGOs, and the Evolution of Canadian Foreign Aid Policy |
| Section 12 | Where do we go from here? Re Imagining Development |
To achieve this, the course examines the core perspectives and debates in development thinking and practice mainly since 1950s. We start with analysis of the evolution of development theory and practice, contextualized historically. Using case studies from different parts of the world, we then examine the impacts that key theories about ‘creating development’ have had when put into practice.
The latter part of the course focuses specifically on various aspects of Canada’s relationship to the “Third World.” Canada’s mixed record as a colonial power over First Nations peoples will also introduce students to basic issues in Aboriginal Studies. From this basis, we can reflect upon the complexities, ambiguities and contradictions found beneath popular stereotypes of Canadian “niceness” or support for “Third World” aspirations. What choices might Canadian citizens take to shape their relationship with the “Third World” in the future?
| Participation Activities | 18% |
| Mid-Term Exam (proctored) | 25% |
| Research Paper Topic Proposal | 2% |
| Research Paper Proposal | 10% |
| Final Research Paper | 20% |
| Final Exam (proctored) | 25% |
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
This course has required and optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities). Please consult the Timeline in the first week of class.
Students must write their exams on the day and time scheduled by the University. The start time may vary slightly depending on the off-campus exam centre. Do not schedule vacations, appointments, etc., during the exam period.
I have been involved in teaching the on campus version of this course since it was first offered in 2006 and I very much look forward to guiding you through this online version. I have an interdisciplinary background including degrees in Political Science, Latin American Studies, and Geography culminating with a Ph.D. in Geography from York University. While my interests in Global Development Studies are broad my own research has focused on sustainable development at the community level, alternative development project monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and participatory research methods.
CDS reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend, on average, about 10 hours a week (240 hours total) on the course.
SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
See also Getting Started.
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+ | 4.30 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.
"The organization and set up of the course was phenomenal. I thought the course material, including the text, readings and videos, were excellent. The professor was extremely helpful and always went above and beyond."
- Course evaluation, DEVS 100: Canada and the "Third World" (2014)
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