Introduction to Global Affairs and Integral Human Development

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course provides an overview of the broad and loosely related field(s) of study and expertise typically clustered under the term "global affairs" and explores Notre Dame's particular approach to global issues, namely "integral human development" (IHD). IHD is a conceptual and normative framework for understanding, practicing, and evaluating efforts to reduce poverty, build peace, protect human rights, and address crises caused by food shortages, natural disasters, environmental degradation, and exploitative government or corporate practices and policies. This course examines the provenance, meanings, and resonances of integral human development and comparable concepts in multiple religious as well as secular traditions.