The International Development concentration focuses on understanding the various barriers that groups and societies face in achieving or maintaining well-being. In addition, it assesses the effectiveness of development approaches that aim to provide solutions. Key concerns are reducing poverty and inequality while enhancing sustainability and equity. The assessment of governments’ capabilities, people’s political, economic, and social opportunities, community resilience, and humanitarian needs are other dimensions of international development.Learning ObjectivesBe familiar with the historical origins and theoretical assumptions that influence contemporary international development theory and practiceUnderstand key concepts, tools, and models for assessing and comparing various types of development across nationsBe able to critically evaluate development policies and programs and the roles of relevant international and domestic actorsBe able to propose improvements to existing institutions, policies, and practices to enhance people’s well-being