Department of Development Studies

Department of Development Studies

Sustainable Development Goals

The Department of Development Studies was established in 2009, it includes four staff members, two holds Professorships, one associate professor and one assistant professor. The staff members are distinguished academics, their presence is noticed in the cultural and scientific circles locally, regionally and internationally, through their active participation in scientific conferences, cultural seminars, and activities with local communities

The Human Development Reports published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) indicate that development projects and programmes in Arab societies have failed over the last few decades. The prevailing international opinion in development-related studies asserts, through theories, methods and practical applications, that it is impossible for development to succeed unless it is taught, researched and applied as one area of specialty. In a comprehensive survey, we did not find anyBachelor-level program in Development Studies at any Arab university. 

Philadelphia University must step in to fill this glaring gap in Arab higher education in the 21st century in order to help meet the needs of people and society—both in Jordan and the Arab world—on the basis of a new practical science. To this end, it is proposed that our university should offer a new, four-year (132 credit hours) academic program, leading to a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Development Studies. 

Development studies, as a specialization, is unique in its utilization of naturally interrelated fields in the humanities and sociology, and it studies contemporary development through its three complementary fields: 

• Sociology
• Economics
• Politics 

Development studies also ties in these complementary fields with three supporting ones: 

• Culture
• Communications
• The Environment 

Development Studies shall be considered a separate academic specialty offered by the Department of Human and Social Sciences, which has been part of the Faculty of Arts since the founding of Philadelphia University, and which currently provides supporting academic services to all Philadelphia students by offering required University and Faculty courses.

More information

https://www.philadelphia.edu.jo/faculties/faculty-arts/development-studies