IDS 201 Introduction to Third World Development (3). F and S. An introduction to the history of Third World development, to the realities of contemporary life in the world's low income countries, and to competing theoretical perspectives on development and change. The course addresses cultural, social, political, religious, economic, and environmental elements of people's lives in the Third World . It also surveys and critiques such dominant perspectives on development as modernization, dependency, world systems, historical culturalism, and sustainable development. Prerequisite: Sophomore status.

IDS 351 Theories of International Development (3). F and S. An in depth study of some of the major contemporary theories about the causes and explanations of low levels of development as well as corresponding recommendations for promoting development at a national/international level. The main focus is on the primary causal factors of national development emphasized by different contemporary theories. Such factors include economic institutions and policies; political institutions and governance; cultural and religious orientations and practices; human rights; geography, natural resources, and the natural environment; technology; social capital and civil society; and globalization/imperialism. Prerequisite: IDS 201, SPHO 205, or permission of instructor.

IDS 355 Community Development (3). F. A study of the theories, problems and methods associated with international development work at the community level. Topics include community mapping, survey and assessment methods, project planning and evaluation, community development practices, grant writing, organizational development and capacity building, donor-client relationships, organizational partnerships, advocacy, and fund raising. Special attention is given to the way Christian development organizations carry out these methods. Most of the course is directed toward international community development experiences, but some case studies and illustrations are also taken from a North American context. Prerequisite: IDS 201, STHO 205 or permission of instructor.

IDS 359 Internship in Development (12). F and S. Internships will typically take place in collaboration with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC), and will generally involve CRWRC's placement of the student with one of its partner organizations, either in a developing nation or in North America . Placements in the CRWRC home offices in the US and Canada are also possible. Students will work for four to five months with this partner in areas of development work including community development, micro-enterprise and business development, literacy and adult education, organizational capacity building, data gathering, basic health, disaster preparedness and response, refugee assistance and resettlement, local church-based development, and peace and reconciliation work. Placement will occur through an application and interview process. See one of the IDS advisors for more information. Prerequisites: IDS 201 or STHO 211, Sociology 253, a semester educational experience in a developing nation or its equivalent, appropriate language capabilities, and junior/senior status.