Witness the challenges Nepal faces as it works to balance tradition and progress and negotiate economic, political, and social change during a dynamic period in its history.

This program examines the multidimensional ways in which development is reshaping a traditionally rural society into one that is rapidly becoming globally connected and modern. Through both classroom and field activities, students investigate the social, political, cultural, environmental, and economic forces that are reshaping rural and urban communities. Study how international development, political conflict, an emerging civil society, and global markets are all working to redefine Nepal in the twenty-first century.

Major topics of study include:

• Economic development, the emerging middle class, and labor migration
• Climate change and environmental concerns in the Himalayas
• Development theory and defining development in Nepal
• Redefining development, social capital, and civil society
• Ethnicity, nationhood, and social and political change
• Causes and conditions for change and conflict
• Caste, class, gender, and religion in Nepal 

NOTE: The U.S State Department currently has a Travel Warning posted for Nepal. (http://travel.state.gov/).  Students must meet with an advisor to discuss the petition process to apply for this program.