Students in a small group in the Grille area of the JRC.

Global Development Studies (GDS)

More than anything, you want to know how you can use your talents and abilities to make the world a better place. Global Development Studies will introduce you to an array of imminent global challenges in human development and sustainable development. From there, you will discover research and internship opportunities specific to regions of the world that include sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia, and South America. Whether you seek meaningful solutions to climate change, food security, or human rights, GDS allows you to integrate your particular interests through a convergence of humanities, social science, and STEM disciplines. Economically, politically, historically, and culturally, the GDS concentration will provide you the flexibility to not only thrive in settings around the world, but to have a significant and positive impact for the common good.

International Opportunities

Gain hands-on experience around the world.

You’ll receive a thorough introduction to an array of imminent global challenges in both human development and sustainable development. From there, you’ll dig deeper through research and internship opportunities that allow you to do hands-on work in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia, and South America.
Interdisciplinary Study

Develop knowledge across fields.

You’ll be part of a program founded on the principle that understanding development requires work in more than one discipline and meaningful dialogue among the disciplines. This means you’ll integrate the study of poverty, development, and your own interests across a variety of disciplines and learn how to put your talents, skills, and interests into action.
Social Justice

Make a difference in the world.

As you learn to ask key questions to solve development problems and apply your knowledge, you’ll develop a greater understanding of developing regions of the world and come to appreciate alternative worldviews. You’ll develop the flexibility needed to thrive in settings around the world as you prepare to participate in international affairs and global social movements and have a significant, and positive, impact on the world.

Creating Your Own Path

Antarah Chopra ’23 has always had a keen interest in global history, cultures, and languages. Studying GDS opened an entire career field that she didn’t know existed.

Kirtimay Pendse ’19 at UNAIDS with fellow interns and Panama's first lady

Insight and Innovation

Internships in the Global Development Studies concentration can require critical and creative thought at the nerve centers of international problem-solving. Kirtimay Pendse ’19 interned with the Department of Program Partnerships, Donor Relations, and Innovations — a new department within the United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) — at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

GDS Becomes Student's 'Guiding Track'

Charlie Paquette ’19 tackled his GDS research requirement by traveling to Paris to interview policy analysts, retired French military personnel, and political activists — all of which helped to inform a summer Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) that focused on France’s war on terror in its former colony of Mali.

plate full of food held over tables laden with dishes

The Complexity of Food

Food is more than just calories. In The Anthropology of Food (ANT 295), you’ll learn about the larger implications of food in our world.

Convergence of Disciplines

Students preparing for meaningful careers in global society gain an advantage by understanding how scientific, economic, and social issues impact their work, their service, and their futures. Intro to Global Development Studies (GDS) 111 is just such an interdisciplinary exploration into globally-informed problem-solving.

Department Chair

Leif Brottem

brotteml@grinnell.edu

Department Information

Phone

(641) 269-4343

Fax

(641) 269-4330

Global Development Studies (GDS)

Meet global challenges head-on.

Why pursue a concentration in Global Development Studies?

Gain hands-on experience around the world.

Develop knowledge across fields.

Make a difference in the world.

Alumni Stories