This course combines instruction in research techniques in a variety of Humanistic and Social Science disciplines, and hands-on experience with those techniques, with substantive materials focusing on the long struggle of minority populations for full participation in American cultural and public life. (Gen. Ed. HS, DU)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of peacebuilding and post-conflict economic recovery in the aftermath of mass violent conflict. Some questions we will explore are: how has the theory and practice of post-conflict recovery evolved since World War II? How and why does policy making during peacebuilding phases differ from 'normal' governance? How do economic policies interact with social, political and cultural factors to produce positive (or negative) outcomes? In what ways do internal and external actors support or inhibit the process of peacebuilding?

As recently as 300 years ago the world had a roughly equal level of development. Today, there are vast differences in average income between the richest and poorest countries. What are the reasons behind this divergence? How have the 'poor' countries attempted to reverse the gap and how have these attempts transformed societies within those countries?