Development studies are one of the essential subjects taught in high schools and universities around the globe. This area of studies is diversified and has progressed over the years to become a multifaceted discipline that requires extensive reading and knowledge on some of the latest development in technology, history, anthropology, geography, economy, and religion. Subsequently, students need to have adequate resources that will guide them in acquiring them the necessary knowledge and information for development studies. This article highlights some of the essential development studies resources that students can use for their day-to-day reading.
Development Studies Blogs from Reputable Global Organizations
One of the essential resources for development studies is the development of blogs and peer-reviewed online journals. The internet is one of the easiest ways to get information. However, students should identify peer review websites and blogs that attract contributions from university students and professors in various areas of development studies. Some of the excellent blogs for development studies are found in websites of global organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, WHO and the UNDP. These websites employ industry leaders and experts with vast knowledge in development studies to write for them. Besides, they contain free reports, research and other resources for development studies that are up to date with the current changes in the world.
Global Development Studies Institutions
Another essential resource is the Institute Of Development Studies and The Center for Global Development. These two key institutions have dedicated their effort to researching development studies. They publish the latest reports and findings from different countries that have contributed significantly to other development studies literature. They have teams of experts that provide data guides and are focused on creating sustainable development initiatives around the globe.
Subscribing to peer-reviewed journals
There are numerous development studies journals that students can subscribe. These journals are published quarterly, monthly, bi-annually and some on a yearly basis. These journals are significant resources for students since they are peer-reviewed and mostly academic. Accordingly, students can use them in their citations and can provide an excellent background to develop a research topic, formulate a thesis and research objectives, literature review and even assist in making their research conclusions for different type of projects, i.e. a capstone project or case study project.
Books
There are various development studies books that students can use in their studies. Depending on the area of interest there are thousands of books that one can choose from. However, there are a few that always stand out. For example:
James Robinson and Daron Acemoglu’s “Economic Origin of Dictatorship and Democracy” is one of the best reads in development studies. The book highlights how politics influences impact essential development outcome and the local economies.
Jagdish Bhagwat, “In Defense of Globalization” is another essential resource for development studies. In this book, the author explains how globalization has led to rapid development around the globe. The author refutes claims on some of the adverse effects of globalization on global development.
Jeffrey Sachs “End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time” is another essential read that explains some of the possible strategies that can be used to end global poverty.
There are also plenty of other books related to development studies worth reading, i.e. A Good Man Is Hard to Find, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, etc.
There are millions of resources that claim to contribute to development studies. However, most of them are not focused on giving students up to date research and applicable skills to fight poverty and contribute to global development. The resources mentioned above are vital for any student pursuing development studies at any level. These resources have been written by industry leaders who are determined to assist learners and other professionals in global development issues. They are not only motivated to make money out of their research but also to see change and progress in human life.