While much “development” can be attributed to positive enhancements within various societies, it is important to note in many instances it has come with great detrimental cost. This course will examine numerous developmental theories and practices. Students will appraise the impacts of these applications and offer interpretation of their impacts.
This course will examine development theories that have been put into practice over the last century so as to better assist students in identifying policy constrictions and benefits and complex theory implementation that have and continue to influence and shape the culture in which the students finds themselves engaged.
Unequal distribution of power and economic resources are important issues in a globalized world. The cause and effect of the inequalities that have been produced by ever evolving development theories and practices are important to be able to identify and respond to at a heightened level of understanding and compassion. As one better understands the context and historical impacts of development practice within the country they are engaged, they can better identify with and value those individuals within those circumstances, while diminishing the possibility to “other” those of different cultures and contexts. This course extends the opportunity to analyze and assimilate these theories and practices for these purposes.
As the student reaches out to our global community with the message of Christ s/he will strive to meet them at their point of need and understanding. Understanding better how they have arrived at where they are by examining the positive and negative influences of community development leads to that end. “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
As the student goes out among individuals from different backgrounds and understandings this course helps s/he to better grasp not only the new culture, but also helps the student to better understand the historical development impacts that were potentially impressed upon the receiving culture by the culture and society of our origin. Did our historical forefathers have a positive or negative influence on where we are going and how does that potentially impact how we are received?
The content of this course directly strengthens the cultural competence of the student to engage and work with increase knowledge and effectiveness in cross-cultural situations
As the course unpacks development theories and practices over the last century it reveals both positive and negative influences on population and society and examines the interaction between population dynamics and economic development, social changes and environment, and race and ethnicity factors.
This course offers a practical examination of the influences of historical development impositions of the global north upon the global south and strengthens the student’s ability to critically analyze motivating factors and strengthen their impacts in their global setting.
Students will have the opportunity to examine their own real world situations to research, identify and report evidence and impact of various development theories and practices that is demonstrated in their own context.
