Watson Institute at Brown University
Development Studies

Student Spotlight

2019-20 Enid Wilson Undergraduate Travel Fellowship Recipients

tabitha payneTabitha Payne, '20
Golden Voice
Tabitha Payne studies LGBTQI Cambodia in past and present through ethnographic participatory-action fieldwork a with a local LGBTQI and marginalized people’s rights group, CamASEAN Youth’s Future. 

semlaniMohammed-Reda Semlani, ‘20
The Economic Impact of the Argan Tree on the Local Communities in Southwestern Morocco
For his honors thesis, Reda investigates the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the Argan oil market on indigenous North African (Amazigh) women and their communities in Morocco.

Student Articles

Payne article

Love in the Time of Genocide
by Tabitha Payne (DS '20)
Published August 2, 2019

AMONG THE IGUANAS: On life and the pursuit of death in Guantánamo Bay

by Jessica Bram Murphy (DS '19)
Illustration by Giacomo Sartorelli
Published March 15, 2019

Misreadings and Misgivings: Understanding the Venezuelan Presidential Crisis

By Oriana Van Praag (DS '20)
Illustration by Katya Lebowe-Stoll
Published February 8, 2019

Student Opportunities

NAIS

Funding Opportunity
This fund, overseen by the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative, is designated to provide support for on-campus and off-campus projects which explore, and increase understanding of, the cultural traditions and political experiences of Indigenous Peoples throughout the hemisphere and the world through historical and contemporary lenses.

RESOURCES

Cross-fertilization!

Brazil Initiative Spring 2020 Calendar

Center for Latin American and Carribean Studies Upcoming Events

Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) Bulletin

DS DUG

DS DUG 2018

The DS DUG is an organization led by undergraduate DS concentrators serving the dual purpose of organizing DS-related campus-wide events and advocating for increased university resources to continue the expansion of the DS program.

Get involved. Join the DS DUG today!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Thoughts to share? Interested in getting involved?

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

oil spill

Voluntary Activism Opportunity
In response to a massive oil spill on Brazil’s coast in August, activists have reached out to Prof. Augusto looking for concerned folks who wish, voluntarily, to write a simple letter to public officials. Every letter will count!

Join the DS DUG for a letter-writing event.
Thursday, December 12
3-5 pm
Alumnae Hall 212

If you would like to help but can’t make it during that time-frame, feel free to reach out to the DS Program with questions and/or letters.

Read more from the activists.
See what a sample letter might look like.
Listen to a podcast on Brazil featuring Prof. Augusto.

Spring 2020 Pre-Approved Courses!

View the course list.


New Undergraduate Degree Program 
The Watson Institute announces a new undergraduate degree program, International and Public Affairs, offering three tracks: Development, Policy & Governance, and Security. 

The Development Studies concentration will continue to be available through class '23. Students expected to graduate in '22 and '23 are encouraged to talk to the International and Public Affairs staff and faculty to determine which concentration is best to pursue.

New Interim Director
Professor Geri Augusto will serve as interim director of DS for the 2019-2020 academic year.