This course covers the theoretical foundations of development in the twenty-first century and introduces students to the practical reality of development work, from project development to delivery in the field. During the course, students acquire a deep theoretical understanding of development and its principles and prerequisites. From there, students learn how to create, deliver, and measure the results of development projects with a particular focus on areas such as agriculture, education and training, governance, human rights, information and communication technology, safety and security, and humanitarian aid. Students assess and analyze the results of past development initiatives against a robust theoretical framework as well as political and organizational objectives. Real-life projects implemented by organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank Group, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Department for International Development (DFID) are used as case studies and entry points for discussion. This course is divided into the following four broad thematic areas that guide the discussions and analysis in class: theory of development and principles and prerequisites; project design and planning; operational delivery and coordination; and impact measurement and sustaining results. Students prepare a case study of a real-life development project implemented by a global development organization and the results of the study are published in support of the global community of practice.
