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Analyze. Act. Achieve.
According to the International Monetary Fund, approximately 70 percent of all nations are “developing” — characterized by economic vulnerability and high levels of poverty. At Clark, international development and social change (IDSC) majors learn how to bring about positive change by thinking critically, acting collaboratively, and engaging responsibly.
Research and activism are hallmarks of the IDSC experience at Clark, from promoting sustainable development through local action to devising technological solutions to food shortages in developing nations. Our graduates — who have gone on to work for organizations including The World Bank, UNICEF, Care USA, Partners in Health, and the National Democratic Institute — work to create a better world every day.
International Development and Social Change
GEOG 107
PLSWhy are many Asian countries (think China, India, and Japan) major players in global affairs? Through readings and class discussions, you’ll explore the reasons behind their rapid economic rise and sudden crises.
ID 235
Illegal trafficking — people, animals, and controlled substances — continues to thrive around the globe. Explore the opportunities and dilemmas faced by those who study and try to eliminate these shadow economies.
ID 120
PLSUse anthropological observation and problem-solving to gain insight into other cultures — and your own; and explore the practicality of applying anthropological knowledge to further the cause of a more just world.
ID 106
PLSExplore key challenges in public health through field trips and interactions with Worcester’s Department of Public Health, and apply concepts and methodologies from a range of disciplines to urban health problems.
Your Will. Your Way.
In the classroom, IDSC majors develop critical analytical skills, explore links between local and global perspectives, and focus on the human and ecological dimensions of sustainability.
The major requires the completion of at least 12 courses. You’ll take five core courses and four in a subfield of international development and social change that interests you. You’ll also complete one methods course, two skills courses, one internship or directed research project, and a capstone seminar.
We encourage you to take courses across programs representing diverse perspectives, including undergraduate classes offered through Clark’s Graduate School of Geography and School of Management. This provides opportunities for you to gain the skills you need to work across the nonprofit, private, government, nongovernmental organization, and research sectors.
Skills you will learn include how to:
Academic Achievement Award
The Academic Achievement Award is to an outstanding graduating senior in the IDSC honors program. Criteria for the award include overall GPA, GPA within the major, and quality of the IDSC honors thesis.
Impact Award
The Impact Award is given to a graduating senior in the international development major who has shown personal integrity and has demonstrated leadership and/or collaboration in community service and progressive change.
Theodore Von Laue Undergraduate Prize in International Development
The Theodore Von Laue Undergraduate Prize in International Development was established by Mrs. Theodore (Angela) Von Laue. The award goes to a junior majoring in international development, who has demonstrated accomplishment and commitment to the search for peace, equitable distribution of resources, human well-being, and environmental justice.
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the international development and social change honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice. Examples of recent honors theses topics are:
Building your foundation
We structure our curriculum around Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP), which connects classroom learning with action through world and workplace experiences.
