Understanding Development (IDEV*1000)

Code and section: IDEV*1000*01

Term: Fall 2026

Instructor: Sharada Srinivasan

Details

We live in a world of extreme wealth and opulence on the one hand and poverty and deprivation on the other. This course is designed to introduce first-year students to the world of development with a central focus on inequality. Students will acquire an analytical and conscientious grasp of how development and inequality go hand in hand and how development cannot happen without explicitly tackling inequality. It will provide students an introduction to defining development and inequality, the historical context of development and key global issues to explore the link between development and inequality. Each week will consist of a 90-minute virtual synchronous lecture along with a 90-minute in-person tutorial. In the weekly lectures, the instructor will introduce a topic which will be elaborated and built upon in the tutorial sessions. Learning outcomes will be assessed through exams, critical reflective written assignments, quizzes and group presentations.