What is IDS?
Spotlight
Dr. Kimber McKay
Associate Professor
Department of Anthropology
In this photo, taken in the Humla District of Nepal, I am showing friends a children's book I wrote about their yak. The book was illustrated by Lillian Shotliff, a UM BFA student, in the tradition of Tibetan Tangka art. The lady in the picture owned this nak (female yak), whose name means "mirror". This was the first children's book ever seen in this village. I had it printed on special, rip and water proof paper to withstand the conditions of life in the village, and took 20 copies to give to families and the school teacher.
International Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the interconnected processes of social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental change taking place in low-income countries and low-income regions of wealthy countries. Coursework in the minor emphasizes a global perspective on the process of change and development, critical analysis of the role of internal and external influences on the development process, and applications to local (including Montana) situations and challenges. The IDS minor takes advantage of existing faculty expertise and courses to offer an interdisciplinary experience for those students interested in either international or domestic development work. Students minoring in IDS will develop knowledge and skills appropriate for graduate study and for working in non-governmental organizations, international and bilateral government development organizations, the U.S. Peace Corps and other national/international equivalents, and /or community-development groups. The IDS program works in cooperation with UM’s International Programs office, which supports the international education, research, scholarship, training, and projects that serve The University of Montana's international mission.