Development Studies
Eleanor Townsley, Nexus director
Katie Walker, Coordinator
108 Daniel L. Jones Building
413-538-3010
https://www.mtholyoke.edu/academics/find-your-program/development-studies
Overview and Contact Information
Critically analyze the relationships among technological, economical, political, and social processes that shape inequality, and the ways in which these processes play out in different places and across scales. Students will understand one's own positionality, privilege and perspective, learn about the perspectives of others, and cultivate ethical judgment in order to work across difference with attention to inclusivity, equity, and social justice. In addition, students will learn theoretical approaches, multiple histories, and research methods to prepare for internships, research and careers in development work for a more equitable and sustainable world.
For the Development Studies Nexus, students devise their own plan in consultation with the track chair and must seek advance approval from the chair.
See Also
Faculty
This area of study is administered by the following Nexus track chairs:
Catherine Corson, Miller Worley Professor of Environmental Studies, On Leave 2025-2026
Ayca Zayim, Associate Professor of Sociology
Requirements for the Nexus
A minimum of 18 credits:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Four courses chosen from the list of courses approved for this Nexus or selected with approval of the track chair | 16 | |
At least one course at the 300 level | ||
At least one course at the 200 level or above | ||
One course at the 100 level or above 1 | ||
A substantive summer internship 2 | ||
COLL-211 | Reflecting Back: Connecting Internship and Research to Your Liberal Arts Education | 2 |
A presentation at LEAP Symposium | ||
Total Credits | 18 |
- 1
Only one course at the 100 level is permitted to count toward the Nexus.
- 2
The summer internship must meet College requirements for a substantial educational experience: At least 200 work hours and responsibilities that exercise ability to think analytically and creatively, and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s stated mission and complements the student's area of focus.
Additional Specifications
-
Nexus students will develop a brief proposal outlining their specific area of focus including a course outline. Students will schedule an advising meeting with a track chair to get approval and complete an online Plan of Study form to be returned to the Nexus Program office.
- The sequence of a Nexus is part of what makes it unique:
-
In preparation for the summer internship or research, students complete courses chosen in consultation with the track chair. If seeking funding through LYNK UAF, students will additionally complete orientation and advising, and online training.
- COLL-211 is taken after the internship or research project and culminates in a presentation at LEAP Symposium.
-
Courses Counting toward the Nexus
Courses other than those listed below may count toward the Nexus. Students should consult the Nexus track chair for consideration of courses not on the list.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Anthropology | ||
ANTHR-216HR | Special Topics in Anthropology: 'Anthropology and Human Rights' | 4 |
ANTHR-216PR | Special Topics in Anthropology: 'Precarious Labor' | 4 |
College(Interdeptmnt) Courses | ||
COLL-211 | Reflecting Back: Connecting Internship and Research to Your Liberal Arts Education | 2 |
Economics | ||
ECON-213 | Economic Development | 4 |
ECON-241 | Critical Development Studies | 4 |
ECON-314 | Globalization and Development | 4 |
ECON-349DV | Advanced Topics in Economics: 'Development Economics: A Closer Look in Africa' | 4 |
Environmental Studies | ||
ENVST-206 | Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Change | 4 |
ENVST-210 | Political Ecology | 4 |
ENVST-223 | Development Geography | 4 |
ENVST-251 | Research, Ethics, Justice and Campus Sustainability | 4 |
ENVST-314 | China in the Global South | 4 |
ENVST-331 | Water, People, and Politics in the Anthropocene | 4 |
ENVST-346 | Global Environmental Politics Governance | 4 |
Geography | ||
GEOG-105 | World Regional Geography | 4 |
GEOG-208 | Global Movements: Migrations, Refugees and Diasporas | 4 |
Gender Studies | ||
GNDST-333EC | Advanced Seminar: 'Gender Inequality and Economic Development: Challenges, Contradictions, and Contestations' | 4 |
History | ||
HIST-301CS | Colloquium: 'Capitalism in South Asia' | 4 |
HIST-357 | History of British Capitalism | 4 |
Politics | ||
POLIT-246 | American Political Thought | 4 |
Religion | ||
RELIG-181 | Introduction to African Diaspora Religions | 4 |
RELIG-331AF | Advanced Topics in Religion: 'African American Spiritualities of Dissent' | 4 |
Sociology | ||
SOCI-240 | Collective Behavior and Social Movements | 4 |
SOCI-316DG | Special Topics in Sociology: 'Sociology of Development and Globalization' | 4 |