What changes when a country shifts from a traditional society to a modern society? Or from a focus on agriculture to a focus on industry? Development studies examines long-run transitions in social, economic, political, and cultural institutions that have accompanied industrialization in modern states, particularly focusing on states in the Global South such as Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and other more newly industrialized locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using a multidisciplinary approach encompassing political science, geography, environmental studies, education, economics, sociology, and anthropology, students will engage in research and applied scholarship around themes of international development; learn to critically evaluate international development theories, discourses, paradigms, and practices; and prepare for careers in the field of international development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does foreign aid work? What are the environmental and social impacts of commodity production like coffee and rubber? What do power, politics, and development look like in contemporary Africa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Debates over perspectives and practices in development cross disciplinary boundaries and are hotly contested. Macalester\u2019s committed faculty members have the depth and breadth to bring these contemporary debates and perspectives to students from a wide range of disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our multidimensional perspective will enhance the quality of your education and help you be an effective and responsible participant in the field of international development. We\u2019re also multi-methodological so your research may include multiple means of gathering data including statistical studies, comparative analysis, and ethnographic and participant observation fieldwork. Many Macalester students take advantage of study abroad opportunities during their education to observe development first-hand and conduct research for honors projects and capstones.<\/p>\n\n\nLife after Macalester<\/h2>\n\t \t
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