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:

Four courses chosen from the list of courses approved for this Nexus or selected with approval of the track chair16
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-211Reflecting Back: Connecting Internship and Research to Your Liberal Arts Education2
A presentation at LEAP Symposium
Total Credits18
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.

Anthropology
ANTHR-216HRSpecial Topics in Anthropology: 'Anthropology and Human Rights'4
ANTHR-216PRSpecial Topics in Anthropology: 'Precarious Labor'4
College(Interdeptmnt) Courses
COLL-211Reflecting Back: Connecting Internship and Research to Your Liberal Arts Education2
Economics
ECON-213Economic Development4
ECON-241Critical Development Studies4
ECON-314Globalization and Development4
ECON-349DVAdvanced Topics in Economics: 'Development Economics: A Closer Look in Africa'4
Environmental Studies
ENVST-206Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Change4
ENVST-210Political Ecology4
ENVST-223Development Geography4
ENVST-251Research, Ethics, Justice and Campus Sustainability4
ENVST-314China in the Global South4
ENVST-331Water, People, and Politics in the Anthropocene4
ENVST-346Global Environmental Politics Governance4
Geography
GEOG-105World Regional Geography4
GEOG-208Global Movements: Migrations, Refugees and Diasporas4
Gender Studies
GNDST-333ECAdvanced Seminar: 'Gender Inequality and Economic Development: Challenges, Contradictions, and Contestations'4
History
HIST-301CSColloquium: 'Capitalism in South Asia'4
HIST-357History of British Capitalism4
Politics
POLIT-246American Political Thought4
Religion
RELIG-181Introduction to African Diaspora Religions4
RELIG-331AFAdvanced Topics in Religion: 'African American Spiritualities of Dissent'4
Sociology
SOCI-240Collective Behavior and Social Movements4
SOCI-316DGSpecial Topics in Sociology: 'Sociology of Development and Globalization'4