McGill.CA / ISID / Undergraduate

FAQs

1. I am Majoring in IDS, what do I take my first year?

  • Its advised to take ECON 208 in the Fall term, followed by ECON 313 in the Winter term.
  • Its advised to take INTD 200 in the first year, either Fall or Winter.
  • Its advised to take the two Intro Complimentary courses from the two sub-categories 'Cultures.." and "Politics.." as soon as possible, so ideally in one's first year U1.
  • Depending on the other program that you are combining your IDS program with, you may have to prioritize certain courses as per when they are available and your interests.
  • The IDS Major is not designed to be taken all in one year. One takes the 12 courses, 36 credits over the course of their BA Degree.
  • You are balancing your program courses as well as General Electives over your terms.

2. I am choosing to Major in IDS as well as either POLI etc. Can a course found in both programs count for both programs?

  • No - no course can count for two different programs. You have to decide which program you want the course to count towards. You then let the Advisor's of your programs know at some point during your degree.

3. Lots of courses found in the IDS program have recommended Pre-Requisites? Do I need to take them all?

  • No. There is 'permission of instructor' indicated on all of the course options. It is impossible for IDS Students to take all the pre-requisites especially if those courses are not listed in our program. Minerva will NOT block registration for those courses. If you are unsure, always ask the Instructor for permission.

4. What are the rules for the IDS programs?

  • Major Concentration: 18 credits must be at the 300 level. 9 credits must be in INTD courses. (yes, INTD 200 and 497 count already towards this, so one more in general)
  • Minor Concentration: 9 credits must be at the 300 level.

5. I want to pursue Honours/Jt Honours in IDS, what do I take in my first year?

  • You take the recommended courses of a Major in IDS in your first year. Then at the end of your U1, after at least 4 IDS courses have been completed and graded, you meet with the IDS Advisor to plan for Honours in your U2 year.
  • Entry into Honours is based on three criteria:
    • You are entering your U2 year (have completed at least 4 IDS classes (any classes from the IDS program, NOT only INTD classes) in your U1 year)
    • Program GPA after a Full year (at least four IDS courses taken) of 3.30, and a CGPA of 3.00 overall
    • Credit room in your degree.
  • Meet then with the Program Advisor to determine eligibility , and a course plan will be made.

6. I am Minoring in IDS, what do I take in my first year?

  • The Minor is only 6 classes, 18 credits.
  • Once decided on the Minor, take ECON 208 and INTD 200 first, then follow up with ECON 313 the following term, and then the 9 Thematic credits at your discretion based on interest and availability.

7. What are Methods courses?

  • Methods courses teach students procedures on how to collect, compile, scrutinize, analyze re-searchable empirical data. The methods course should allow the student to deepen their understanding of strengths and challenges within the chosen approach on a general level. The methods course will enable students to understand the data produced in large scale research project and determine outcomes, objectives, and successes/failures.

8. What does this mean? " When selecting their Methods courses, students must consult with the IDS Adviser. They must also consult with the most recent Faculty of Arts policy on course overlap"

  • Methods courses are social science statistics courses. There are only so many ways that a stats course can be taught without significant overlap. We include methods options like ex. POLI 210, SOCI 350, ANTH 358 etc. however, these (which are non-INTD) may have overlap with other methods courses (taken for other programs ex. PSYC 204, MATH 203), so please check with the IDS Advisor before selecting your methods option. You will not be given credits for a course overlap course.
  • CEGEP students who have been given MATH 203 exemption from their CEGEP CANNOT take SOCI 350, 461, 477, or ECON 227D1/D2 as their Methods option.
  • In order to avoid any course overlap issues, we recommend you take our own INTD options. INTD 356 Quantitative Methods for Development and INTD 358 Ethnographic Approaches to Development were specifically designed for IDS students.

9. Who can I see for advising?

  • You can make a Teams Meeting with an IDS Advisor. Visit the Program Advising Tab to book an appointment.
  • You can also follow instructions on the above site, and email the appropriate person for quicker answers/advisings.

10. Will there be more course offerings in INTD courses?

  • Yes. Every year, we have offered more INTD course options in order to alleviate the pressure on other units who support our program, and also increase the quality of interdisciplinary teachings for our students.
  • Please consider taking as many INTD courses as you wish in your program.
  • Topics courses like the INTD 397, 398, 497 can be taken multiple times with different Topics. This academic year is a historic one for the IDS program. We have never offered MORE INTD courses than we are offering this year.
  • This allows IDS students to pursue INTD courses designed specifically for the Interdisciplinary nature of the IDS program, while also allowing students to pursue discipline focused development relevant classes as well (ex. Any of the POLI, SOCI, GEOG etc)

11. What’s the difference between INTD 497 and INTD 498?

  • INTD 498 – Honours Seminar in International Development is required for Joint Honours and Honours students. It is considered a seminar course. Honours and Joint Honours students are permitted to take INTD 497 as a Complimentary Thematic course.
  • INTD 497 – Advanced Topics in International Development is required for Majors. Students are now permitted to take multiple sections of 497 as long as the topic is different. It is considered a lecture course.

12. I am interested in going on Exchange or Study away experience, how does that work as an IDS student?

  • You MUST read through the Study Away/Exchange Website.
  • Study Away and Exchanges ARE NOT run through the IDS Department, rather they are Faculty run. There is no point in meeting with the IDS Advisor until you have read through and gone to any necessary pre-information session offered by the Faculty OASIS Study Away Advising team.
  • Once ACCEPTED on an Exchange or Study Away, arrange a meeting with the Program Advisor to discuss TR credits.

13. Is there ONE particular country/Uni you recommend for an exchange or study away?

  • No - NONE. I get asked this question a lot. No. As an interdisciplinary student your job when you do get accepted on the exchange or study away is to find IDS relevant themed courses at the host institution. These can take the form under any discipline (ex. ANTH, ECON, POLI etc.) Unless you have found a University that offers a Development Studies program, in which case those courses can be reviewed and assessed as INTD courses. The entire TR credit process MUST be read through THOUROUGHLY before meeting with the IDS Advisor.

14. Is there an application form for Honours/Jt Honours?

  • No. Entry into Honours is based on three criteria:
    • You are entering your U2 year (have completed at least 4 IDS classes (any classes from the IDS program, NOT only INTD classes) in your U1 year)
    • Program GPA after a Full year (at least four IDS courses taken) of 3.30, and a CGPA of 3.00 overall
    • Credit room in your degree.
  • Meet then with the Program Advisor to determine eligibility , and a course plan will be made.

15. How come I cannot get into the MGCR/MGMT/SWRK/ORGB courses?

  • The Faculty of Management, School of Social Work, School of Continuing Studies controls enrolment in those courses. They typically assign seat restrictions in their courses. Their priority is to allow their students access in their courses before they allow anyone else not in their Faculty, into their courses. They lift the restrictions the last week of Add/Drop of the term you are intending to take the course.
  • We would advise you to keep trying to get a spot in the course. If you are unable, there are PLENTY of other IDS courses you can take.

16. I can't get into some of the complimentary IDS thematic courses or Methods options (ex. SOCI 350, ANTH 358), Minerva gives me a registration block (degree, level, prg) etc.

  • The IDS thematic courses (all those other than the INTD courses) are optional thematic courses. They are not required and nor a 'right' for any student to take. They have been deemed relevant to the IDS program content and have been approved for our program students to take. Unfortunately, since we (ISID) do not control the enrolment in those courses, they are under the jurisdiction of their home department/Faculty. And that home department/Faculty will place limitations and registration blocks on all students not in that program. This allows their program students priority.
  • Usually, the restrictions are lifted by the beginning of term (end of add/drop) to allow the remaining spots to be filled by the non-program students (ie. IDS etc).
  • This doesn't mean you can never take them/get a spot. You will have to be patient, keep checking minerva and try to register, or contact the department or Professor of the course to ask for permission.

17. I am pursuing a Major or Minor in Econ as well as IDS, what do I do for ECON 208 which is required in the IDS program?

  • If you are pursuing a Major in ECON and a program in IDS: you are not permitted to take ECON 208, unless you took this during a Freshman year (if you did then IDS can count the ECON 208). You will have to take ECON 230D1/D2 for your ECON program, so for IDS - you will simply replace the credits for ECON 208 in the IDS program with another IDS course, of your choice chosen from the Complimentary course lists.
  • If you are pursuing a Minor in Econ: you should take ECON 208 towards your ECON Minor program, and then replace the credits for ECON 208 in your IDS program with another IDS course, of your choice, chosen from the Complimentary course lists.
  • If you are a double major or Jt Honours with ECON: you will have to take the year long version ECON 230D1 and D2, or ECON 250D1 and D2, therefore cannot take ECON 208. In which case you replace the credits for ECON 208 in your IDS program with another IDS course, of your choice, chosen from the Complimentary course lists.

18. I am a MGMT or AGRI Student and have already taken a version of ECON 208 (ie. MGCR 293, AGEC 200) what do I do about ECON 208 for my IDS program?

  • you will simply replace the credits for ECON 208 in the IDS program with another IDS course, of your choice chosen from the Complimentary course lists.

19. What are the differences between INTD 499, 490, 491, 492 (Project Courses)?

  • INTD 499 - This course should be considered if the student has secured an Internship experience over the summer months, relevant to IDS and has a minimum CGPA of 3.30. Students are expected to find a supervisor to work with to supervise the project which will be written the term following the Internship experience. A 20 page paper is expected. This course can count as a Complimentary Thematic course in the IDS programs.
  • INTD 490 - This course should be considered for Majors or Minors who are interested in pursuing an independent project paper. Students are expected to produce a large research paper, literature review, comparative analysis on a subject relevant to IDS. Secondary research sources should be used to produce a paper not exceeding 40 double spaced pages. A supervisor must be found by the student in order to supervise the project and grade it. This course can count as a Complimentary Thematic course in the IDS programs.
  • INTD 491 - This course should be considered for Jt Honours or Honours students who are interested in pursuing an independent project paper. Students are expected to produce a large research paper, literature review, comparative analysis on a subject relevant to IDS. Secondary research sources should be used to produce a paper not exceeding 40 double spaced pages. A supervisor must be found by the student in order to supervise the project and grade it. This course can count as a Complimentary Thematic course in the IDS programs.
  • INTD 492 - This course should be considered for Jt Honours or Honours students who are interested in pursuing an independent project paper. Students are expected in this course to incorporate an internship/volunteer/work experience which has produced some primary research into a large research paper, literature review, comparative analysis on a subject relevant to IDS. This course is worth 6 credits and as such the paper is expected to be between 40 - 60 double spaced pages. A supervisor must be found by the student in order to supervise the project and grade it. Students have the option to take this course over one term, or to span it over two terms. This course can count as a Complimentary Thematic course in the IDS programs.
  • NOTE: All project courses require a minimum CGPA of 3.30 and students must secure a supervisor. Applications forms found on our website. Permits will only be granted once a completed application form is submitted to the ISID offices - submit to ids [at] mcgill.ca

20. What type of careers await me after pursuing a BA program in IDS?

  • The BA is a General Social Sciences Degree. The Bachelors of Arts is NOT a Professional Degree - this means that the BA does not lead to a clearly formed professional title.
  • If you decide to pursue IDS in your BA, you have chosen to concentrate your focus on the study of developing areas. In doing this, it provides you with specializations (depending on courses taken) on development theory, history, practice and study. This ultimately makes you eligible for certain areas of work, namely but not limited to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), Non-Profit affiliates, Governance and Policy Making etc.
  • It is normal for one to be confused about what this means. I invite you, at your earliest convenience, even in your first term, to review our Graduate Studies and Career Opportunities site which has important information and links to McGill's Career and Placement Services department which is 'THE' source for career and graduate studies information.
  • The earlier you research, the better able to make decisions.

21. Do I just study and do well and that's it or should I do more?

  • That depends on each persons individual goals and capacities.
  • It is recommend that students not just 'study and do well' but also engage in Co-Curricular Experiences which can be found in different forms. The general idea would be that students end their BA Tenure with a well-rounded, competitive academic and Co-Curricular curriculum vita. That their portfolio is considered competitive for post-graduate studies or work.

22. Who can I get advice for pursuing Graduate Studies post BA IDS? And how do I know if my work/experience is enough for a Masters program?

  • There is no ONE advisor at McGill aware of the thousands of Graduate options available. Therefore, research is individualized at this point and extremely specific to the University/Program that you want to apply too. I suggest reaching out and researching that Universities criteria for admissions, early on.
  • The onus is on you the student, to pursue research on next steps, criteria into successful admission into the MA.
  • Professors can be a great source of informal advice on this, so feel free to approach a Professor whose Professional career you believe to be relevant to your future studies.
  • McGill DOES NOT offer an MA in IDS.
  • Keep in mind the recommendations found on the Graduate Studies and Work Options site.

23. The MyProgress report on Minerva and MyCourses is showing incorrect information on my IDS program (counting classes that should not be counted, or NOT counting classes that should be counted)?

  • OASIS indicates to NEVER use the MyProgress report - as it is inaccurate for most students. In fact, they don't recommend to review it for graduation verification.
  • IDS students MyProgress reports will NEVER be accurate due to the following reasons:
    1. The IDS program changed in the Winter 2021 term. Most students are still finishing their degree and opted for the new IDS program. The system is pulling information from the 'old IDS program'.
    2. Most IDS students are pursuing programs that have significant overlap (POLI, ECON, ANTH, MGMT etc). The system, doesn't know where the credits will count, which program they will count for. No course CAN EVER double count for two programs.
    3. Students change their mind daily, weekly, monthly or every term, based on which courses are on offer. The system is not designed for easy editing, so we DO NOT USE the DEGREE EVAL OR THE MY PROGRESS REPORT to audit you for graduation           HOW DO I MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHICH COURSES ARE COUNTING FOR MY IDS PROGRAM:
      1. First - track your programs through an audit sheet.
      2. Email the lisa.stanischewski [at] mcgill.ca (IDS Advisor) the list of classes you want to count towards your IDS program in a concise organized fashion (Required, Intro Compl. (Cultures...Politics...), Thematic, Methods). An email approval will be granted.
      3. Or make an appointment here Microsoft Teams Booking ISID with the IDS advisor to verify which courses are counting towards your IDS program.

24. Why do you use email checklists for program verification instead of word or pdf checklists?

  • Emails are easily trackable. Students get a written confirmation (the email) and instructions on what to take next as per the program guidelines, that students can keep in their inbox and feel assured that their instructions and wants are met.
  • PDF's and Word docs. are cumbersome, not easily forwardable. Because students change their minds so frequently, updating a document is useless and time consuming.
  • Email confirmation from the lisa.stanischewski [at] mcgill.ca (IDS Advisor) IS THE WAY WE track our students progress in our programs.

25. How do I send an email confirmation of my program courses (courses that I want to have count towards my IDS program)?

  • Email the lisa.stanischewski [at] mcgill.ca (IDS Advisor) the list of classes you want to count towards your IDS program in a concise organized fashion (Required, Intro Compl. (Cultures...Politics...), Thematic, Methods). An email approval will be granted.
    • Example: for a student completing a Major Concentration (36 credits) in IDS:
      • Required: 12 credits
        • ECON 208 B+
        • INTD 200 C
        • ECON 313 (taking Fall 2023)
        • INTD 497 (taking in my last year)
      • Intro Compl: 6 credits
        • Cultures: to do??? don't know which one yet.
        • Politics: POLI 244 A
      • Thematic: 15 credits
        • ANTH 222 B
        • GEOG 216 A
        • ANTH 339 (taking in the Winter 2024)
        • to do?
        • to do?
      • Methods: 3 credits
        • to do? Don't know which one yet, I think I will take INTD 358 next year.
    • Rules:
      • 18 credits at the 300 level (yes I need to watch out that I don't take too many 200 levels in my Thematic section)
      • 9 credits in INTD (yes, I plan to take INTD 358 as my Methods, so then I will meet this rule as I have INTD 200 and INTD 497)
      • I have NOT taken MORE THAN 12 credits in a Discipline (POLI, ECON, SOCI, etc.) other than INTD. 
  • HAVE I CHECKED:
    1. No Course counted in my IDS program can double count, count for another program
    2. I have passed all the IDS courses with a C grade or better. D grades are not sufficient for Program classes. See policy on Grades in the Faculty of Arts. 
    3. My IDS classes used cannot be S/U graded.

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