11.005 | Spring 2015 | Undergraduate

Introduction to International Development

Course Description

This course introduces undergraduates to the basic theory, institutional architecture, and practice of international development. We take an applied, interdisciplinary approach to some of the "big questions" in our field. This course will unpack these questions by providing an overview of existing knowledge and best …
This course introduces undergraduates to the basic theory, institutional architecture, and practice of international development. We take an applied, interdisciplinary approach to some of the “big questions” in our field. This course will unpack these questions by providing an overview of existing knowledge and best practices in the field. The goal of this class is to go beyond traditional dichotomies and narrow definitions of progress, well-being, and culture. Instead, we will invite students to develop a more nuanced understanding of international development by offering an innovative set of tools and content flexibility.
Learning Resource Types
Problem Sets
A photograph of a basket full of yellow and black seeds. A Ugandan's hands are also visible, and they are holding a handful of seeds.
The Northern Uganda Agricultural Centre aims to develop agricultural production and machinery throughout Uganda, in order to encourage local economies. Shown here are their high quality seeds with germination rates higher than 90%. (Image courtesy of the U.S. Agency for International Development on Flickr. CC BY-NC 2.0.)