Identity area
Type of entity
Corporate body (Dalhousie University)
Authorized form of name
Dalhousie University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of International Development Studies
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
- IDS
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
2001-
History
International Development Studies at Dalhousie began in 1985 as an interdisciplinary program in association with faculty at Saint Mary's University. In 2001, David Black was named as chair and the program was granted departmental status. It is considered to offer one of Canada's finest development studies programs and aims to foster greater understanding of social justice, human rights, and equality, both globally and locally, through study, research and cross-cultural learning experiences.
Places
The Department of International Development Studies is located in the Marion McCain Building on Dalhousie's Studley Campus.
Legal status
Functions, occupations and activities
The Department of International Development Studies offers an interdisciplinary program of courses leading to a wide range of undergraduate degrees drawing upon subjects including biology, comparative religion, economics, language study, political science, sociology and social anthropology. The department also offers a thesis-based MA with or without fieldwork. IDS coordinates study abroad programs and supports research across a range of disciplines, with a focus on global health, gender equality, the colonial present, advocacy and public engagement, and farm-based research in Africa. The department is home to IDEAS, a student society that hosts events in collaboration with faculty and the wider community.
Mandates/sources of authority
The basic statute relating to Dalhousie University is Chapter 24 of the Acts of 1863. This statute replaced earlier statutes, and the 1863 statute itself has been amended and supplemented several times over the years. The provisions of these various statutes provide for the establishment and regulation of the university, the membership of the Board of Governors and its rights and powers, the authority of senate for the internal regulation of the university (subject to the approval of the board), and various other matters.
Internal structures/genealogy
The Department of International Development Studies is within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and in 2021 has a core faculty complement of seven, including a department chair, who are supported by an administrative secretary. Over 30 cross-appointed professors from several faculties as well as other institutions contribute to the department's broad teaching expertise.