S-05-28

Memorandum

TO:

Senate

FROM:

John Waterl

Chair, SCUF

Vice Presid€

RE:

Graduate Certificate ?

DATE:

?

January 21,

In Development Studies

Attached is the proposal for a Graduate Certificate in Development Studies submitted

for consideration by Dr. Jon Driver, Dean of Graduate Studies.

The Senate Committee on University Priorities reviewed the proposal at its January 12,

2005 meeting. With minor edits which have now been incorporated into the document,

the proposal was unanimously approved. Once approved by Senate, the proposal will

be submitted to the Board of Governors.

Motion:

That Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the establishment

of the Graduate Certificate in Development Studies.

Attach.

c: J. Driver

J. Pierce

G. Nicholls

0

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GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Development Studies is the study of societal transformation or change, particularly those

changes that affect the

quality of life

of individuals and groups. The problems of societal

transformation are urgent and complex, and often transcend the boundaries of

conventional academic disciplines. Development Studies examines the problems in,

processes involved, and the prospects for the transformation of human, natural, and

material resources in various contexts and at various levels of societal interaction, from

the local, national, and regional to the international/global level.

To study societal transformation, one must draw upon many disciplines in order to obtain

a balanced understanding of historical and contemporary processes. These disciplines

include, but are not limited to: anthropology, business, communication, economics,

education, geography, history, law, political science, psychology, resource and

environmental management, and sociology.

This graduate certificate in development studies links faculty teaching and research

across nine units in the university, and enables students to coordinate their graduate

studies so as to concentrate on development issues, using a multidisciplinary approach.

.

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Students move through their programs in their departments while also being in regular

contact with those with common interests in development across the university.

Program requirements

• Students will be admitted to the university and graduate from their home units

according to departmental, school and faculty regulations.

• Students enrolled in listed certificate courses are expected to meet all course

requirements. Students will be advised of the scheduling of courses (listed in the

certificate) early so as to enable them to plan their programs in consultation with

their supervisory committees.

The list of courses to be taught in the next semesters will be published well in

advance. Students are advised to plan course sequences and choices leading

toward the certificate well ahead. Completing the certificate may require students

to take more courses than their degree requires and may thus prolong the time to

completion of their graduate studies.

• Students will graduate with a regular graduate degree offered by their home units,

plus a certificate that recognizes their concentration in the field of development

studies.

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I Admission requirements:

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a) On being granted regular admission to a graduate program in any department, school,

or faculty in the University (including Special Arrangements), students will be

informed about the Certificate by the Steering Committee. Though working on

projects, theses, and essays is not a requirement of the certificate, students who elect

to complete projects, theses, essays in the unit of admission (known as the home

department) in a development-related subject will be encouraged to participate.

2 Continuation requirements:

a) Maintaining satisfactory progress as a graduate student in the University. Students

will be informed of their progress toward the certificate.

3 Graduation requirements:

a) Students will complete four courses selected from the list of courses approved by the

Steering Committee of the Program, including a Core Seminar course on

development. Students seeking the certificate must take listed courses from at least

two different departments or schools (or non-departmentalized faculties). Any student

can complete the certificate with the right combination of courses, including the Core

Seminar. Students are advised to take the Core Seminar course in the first half of their

graduate studies.

The Core Seminar Course is currently POL 861

A list of courses eligible for inclusion in the Certificate will be published annually.