Development Studies
DVST 100 Fundamentals of Community Service Learning (3) A
An interdisciplinary introduction to the theory and practice of community service learning. Students will explore concepts of community and engagement, considering the relationship between theory, research, and practice. Topics will include community involvement, citizenship, and social responsibility. Students will also engage in a minimum of 30 hours of community service learning, practicing the skills of community engagement with local non-profit organizations and reflecting on their experiences.
DVST 200 Community Engagement through Service Learning (3) A
An experiential learning course in which students apply theories of community engagement through diverse community service learning projects. Students will be introduced to the principles and practices of community assessment as a way of understanding both the needs and opportunities present in their local community. Students will also engage in a minimum of 30 hours of community service learning, practicing the skills of community engagement with local non-profit organizations and reflecting on their experiences.
Prerequisite: DVST 100
DVST 210 Introduction to Community Development (3) A
This course offers an introduction to community development theory and practice with a focus on real world experience and theory applications (both domestic and international), and the corresponding impact on local communities. Definitions, principles and approaches to community development will be discussed, with an emphasis on holistic transformation of individuals and communities from a Christian perspective. This course will also review best practices and relevant issues in the field of community development including poverty, employment, homelessness, literacy, health, environment, gender, and business development.
DVST 211 Business Ethics and Sustainability (3) A
A course applying concepts, theories, and moral decision procedures found in moral philosophy to a broad range of issues currently encountered in the business context, including: “whistle-blowing,” advertising, employee treatment, insider trading and accounting practices, product liability, corporate social responsibility and issues in international business.
Prerequisite: one of BUS 100, BUS 305, DVST 305, PS 121 and completion of 18 credits
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 211. Students can only earn credit for one of the following: DVST 211 or BUS 210.
DVST 261 Global Business Practices (3) O
This course provides a survey of business practices in various regions around the world, comparing and contrasting social and cultural differences that impact business interactions and cross-cultural communication.
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits or permission of the department
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 261
DVST 290 Innovative and Entrepreneurial Thinking (3) A
An exploration of creativity and innovation processes from ideation to problem solution and implementation. The course develops an entrepreneurial mindset through design thinking, creativity exercises, creative problem-solving strategies, and other approaches. Highly practical in nature, this course develops habits of thought that promote initiative, responsibility, and empowering passion.
Prerequisite: Completion of 18 credits or permission of the department
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: BUS 290, DVST 290, IND 290, BUS 390, or DVST 390
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 290 and IND 290
DVST 299 Special Topics in Development Studies (3) O
Special studies in Development Studies, as announced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department
DVST 301 Intermediate Domestic Community Development (3) B
A foundation in community development theory and practice in the current Canadian context. This practice-based course aims to deepen practice skills introduced in DVST 210 (Introduction to Community Development), applying theory to address key issues facing Canadian communities using a range of community development approaches and strategies. The role of the community development worker will be examined to understand effective models of leadership and ethical practice. Opportunities will be provided to interact and/or collaborate with local community development organizations
Prerequisite: DVST 210
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: DVST 301 or BUS 301.
DVST 302 Intermediate International Community Development (3) B
This course provides a multi-disciplinary overview of international community development. It will address theories and strategies of community development using a variety of contexts in the developing world, as well as the causes and consequences of poverty such as: environmental degradation; insufficient food production; inequitable access to land and related resources; injustice; poor governance; civil war and other types of conflict.
Prerequisite: DVST 210
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: DVST 302 or BUS 302.
DVST 304 Development Studies Travel Study (3) A
This educational travel study offers cross-cultural, experience-based learning opportunities for students and development workers to see first-hand how international development impacts individuals and communities in various regions around the world. The focus of the course varies each year, covering aspects of community and economic development in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits
DVST 305 Management of Non-Profit Organizations (3) B
This course is designed to provide current and future nonprofit managers and leaders with an overview of a range of nonprofit management concerns and practices. Course projects and discussions expand students’ management skills, analytical tools, and knowledge. Students take the perspectives of nonprofit managers, volunteers, board members, policy makers, donors, and clients. This course is built on the assumption that students learn more if they are actively engaged with the material. Exercises and discussions allow students to test knowledge, formulate ideas and strategies, respond to management dilemmas, and get immediate feedback from classmates and the instructor.
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits or permission of the department
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 305
DVST 306 Working with Vulnerable Persons (3) B
This course will focus on basic skills and practice when working with individuals who are vulnerable and/or experiencing homelessness. It will explore the challenges faced by individuals who are vulnerable and homeless, such as lack of education and job skills, poor mental and physical health, and addictions. It will also address the importance of case management, its components, and effectiveness. The course is meant to prepare students interested in working with at-risk persons in this population to provide competent and client-centered help.
Prerequisite: PS 121 or SO 121
Note: This course is cross-listed as PS 306
DVST 307 Sustainable Development Goals in Context (3) O
An exploration of the global Sustainable Development Goals and their historical development, their national application, and their integration into Albertan business, government, and civil society. The course will move from a broad theoretical understanding of a United Nations framework to an applied survey of how such goals and indicators can be applied to improve society through collaboration and innovation. Instruction will consist of lectures, experienced guest speakers and co-lecturers, reflective discussion, and case studies.
Prerequisite: BUS 100, DVST 210 or permission of the department
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 307
DVST 323 Responsible and Impact Investing (3) O
This course develops an understanding of the rationale, principles and financial instruments for responsible and impact investment. Substantial parts of the course consider the regulatory enablers and barriers to both impact investing and responsible investing, the challenges involved in expanding these areas, analysis of alternative instruments, and the measurement of social return on investment.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: BUS 220
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 323
DVST 342 Leadership in the Global Context (3) A
A seminar examining leadership theories and approaches to leadership practice in various global contexts. Students will explore the ways multi-cultural influences shape non-profit and for-profit organizations. Various self-assessments will heighten students' awareness of their personality characteristics, current leadership strengths, and areas for growth. Students will develop a personal philosophy of leadership and prepare a personal leadership development plan.
Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credits or permission of department
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: BUS 342, DVST 342 or BUS 341
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 342
DVST 350 Poverty in Western Society (3) B
This course will provide an overview of the origins and understanding of poverty in western society from both a theoretical and theological standpoint. This will include a review of the sources of vulnerability that contribute to poverty and the psycho-social impacts of poverty on vulnerable populations and the broader society. Strategic approaches to poverty reduction will be explored along with the respective roles of the church, state and civil society in preventing, alleviating and reducing poverty.
Prerequisite: DVST 210 or SO 220
Note: This course is cross-listed as BHS 350
DVST 362 International Microfinance (3) O
This course will investigate the emerging field of microfinance – the provision of small loans and financial services to the poor – and its impact on addressing poverty in developing countries. Students will develop an understanding of a range of topics in the field, including the role of credit in microenterprises, lending models, sustainability and best practice for microfinance institutions (MFIs), cultural factors and regional issues. The course offers a unique mix of theory and practice as students will have the opportunity to work on projects relating to current issues and microfinance programs in various regions
of the world.
Prerequisite: One of the following: BUS 100, BUS 305, DVST 305
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 362
DVST 386 Marketing Communications and Societal Marketing (3) B
An exploration of theories, concepts, and applications of integrated marketing communications. Examining ways organizations can communicate strategically with their customers and other stakeholders, the course covers advertising, sales promotion, public relations, personal selling, direct marketing, societal marketing, and digital (interactive) marketing. The course also examines the ways social media and internet-based platforms help to shape consumer behaviour, and teaches effective and professional use of those platforms.
Prerequisite: BUS 280, BUS 305, or DVST 305
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: DVST 386, BUS 386, or either or both BUS/DVST 381 and BUS 383.
Note: This course is cross-listed as BUS 386
DVST 399 Special Topics in Development Studies (3) O
Special studies in Development Studies, as announced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department
DVST 402 Human Trafficking (3) B
This course will critically examine and contextualize the prevalent global crime of human trafficking and consider effective modes of prevention and response. It will examine the history, roots, and development of various forms of human trafficking internationally and domestically using several frameworks. In addition, it considers a variety of responses such as addressing related social and development issues, legal responses and system reform.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology or Development Studies at the 200-level
Note: This course is cross-listed as SO 402
DVST 404 Development Studies Educational Travel Study (3) A
This educational travel study offers cross-cultural, experience-based learning opportunities for students and development workers to see first-hand how international development impacts individuals and communities in various regions around the world. The focus of the course varies each year, covering aspects of community and economic development in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credits
DVST 405 Special Topics in Development Studies (3) O
Special studies in Development Studies, as announced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department