International Development Studies


Faculty List
  • A. Berry, B.A. (Western), M.A. (Yale), Ph.D. (Princeton), Professor Emeritus
  • A.E. Birn, B.A. (Harvard), M.A. (University of Canterbury), Sc.D. (Johns Hopkins), Professor
  • M.F. Bunce, B.A. (Sheffield), Ph.D. (Sheffield), Associate Professor Emeritus
  • L. Chan, B.A., M.A. (Toronto), Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
  • H. Dinani, M.A. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Emory), Assistant Professor
  • C.S. Hossein, M.P.A. (Cornell), Ph.D. (Toronto), Associate Professor
  • A. Ilmi, B.A. (Ryerson), M.A. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Toronto), Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
  • M.E. Isaac, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Guelph), Ph.D. (Toronto), Associate Professor
  • R. Isakson, B.Sc. (University of Utah), M.A., Ph.D. (University of Massachusetts Amherst) Associate Professor
  • T. Kepe, B. Agric. (Fort Hare), M.Sc. (Guelph), Ph.D. (Univ. Western Cape), Professor
  • P. Kingston, B.A. (Toronto), M.A. (London), D.Phil. (Oxford), Professor
  • K. MacDonald, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (Waterloo), Associate Professor
  • S. Mollett, B.A., M.E.S. (York), Ph.D. (Toronto), Professor
  • J. Teichman, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (Toronto), FRSC, Professor
  • B. von Lieres, B.A., M.A. (Witwatersrand, South Africa), D.Phil (Essex), Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
  • Z. Wai, M.A. (International University of Japan), Ph.D. (York), Associate Professor


Chair: Sharlene Mollet, Email: sharlene.mollett@utoronto.ca
Program Coordinator Email: gds-advisor@utsc.utoronto.ca
For more information, visit the Department of Global Development Studies website.

The International Development Studies (IDS) programs provide students with a critical understanding of international development issues through exposure to a variety of academic disciplines, cultures, and, in the case of the Specialist Co-op program options, overseas work experience in the field of international development. The IDS programs are challenging and intended for bright and self-motivated students who are interested in both excelling academically and actively engaging themselves in the pursuit of social justice around such issues as poverty, inequality, and oppression. Students in the IDS programs take initiatives, seek empowerment, are driven to solve social and environmental problems, understand the importance of teamwork and coordination, and are responsible and accountable. They have diverse interests that span the social sciences, humanities, and environmental science, all of which are underpinned by a strong sense of social responsibility.

The IDS programs provide students with a critical understanding of international development issues through exposure to a variety of academic disciplines, cultures, and, in the case of the Specialist Co-op programs, overseas work experience in the field of international development.  The specific academic objectives of our IDS programs are to:

  1. Introduce students to the broad and interconnected range of issues and disciplinary approaches within the field of critical development studies.
  2. Provide students with a critical understanding of development theories - their origins and purposes for addressing problems of power, inequality and oppression.
  3. Stress the crucial importance of context and power - historical, social-cultural, economic, and political - when critically analyzing development theory and development practice.
  4. Promote the development of strong analytical, writing, and professional skills and, where possible, experiential learning opportunities in the field of critical development studies.
  5. Promote the development of a vibrant intellectual community - that includes students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and development partners -- that is committed to active involvement in the critical debates within the field of development studies and to critical engagement in development practice.

As a way of enhancing the interdisciplinary nature of the IDS programs, students are also encouraged to consider complementing their particular program in IDS with a parallel program in a related discipline. For example, those doing a Major in IDS might consider a parallel Major or Minor in any one of Anthropology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Economics for Management Studies, Human Geography, Health Studies, History, Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology or Women's and Gender Studies. While not required for graduation, Specialist/Specialist (Co-op) students are also encouraged to consider fulfilling the requirements for a Major or Minor program in a related discipline alongside their Specialist/Specialist (Co-op) program. For details about how these combinations can be worked out, please contact the Program Advisor.

The Major Program in International Development Studies (Science) is suspended to new enrolments. Students who are already enrolled in this Major program should consult the 2009-10 Calendar.

Guidelines for first-year course selection

Students intending to complete any currently offered IDS program should include the following required courses in their first-year selection:
Specialist/Specialist (Co-op) Program in International Development Studies (B.Sc.) should enroll in IDSA01H3, EESA01H3, BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, [MGEA01H3 or MGEA02H3], [MGEA05H3 or MGEA06H3]. 
Specialist/ Specialist (Co-op) Program in International Development Studies (B.A.)  should enroll in IDSA01H3, EESA01H3, [MGEA01H3 or MGEA02H3], [MGEA05H3 or MGEA06H3]. 
Major Program in International Development Studies (B.A.) should enroll in IDSA01H3.
Minor Program in International Development Studies (B.A.) should enroll in IDSA01H3.

Program Combination Restrictions

The Specialist/Specialist Co-op (BSc), Specialist/Specialist Co-op (BA), Major (BA), Major (BSc) and Minor programs in International Development Studies cannot be combined.

Experiential Learning and Outreach

For a community-based experiential learning opportunity in your academic field of interest, consider the course CTLB03H3, which can be found in the Teaching and Learning section of the Calendar.