Teaching

A central goal of the Ford Program is to provide Notre Dame students with multiple opportunities to explore human development issues in the classroom and beyond. Additionally, the program aims to build and support faculty expertise in human development studies at the University of Notre Dame.

Interdisciplinary minor in human development studies

Now under development, Ford’s interdisciplinary minor in human development studies will allow undergraduates from a variety of disciplines—the social sciences and humanities, engineering, business, and the sciences—to develop a special expertise in human development. 

Students pursuing the minor will complete a “gateway” course and an interdisciplinary array of electives that will give them a firm grounding in development issues.  In addition, they will complete a “practicum,” a research or internship experience located, ideally, in the developing world.

Course development grants

Building on existing University strengths, the Ford Program will offer grants to encourage current Notre Dame faculty members whose research relates to human development themes to develop and teach new courses. 

New faculty positions

Working with departments within the College of Arts and Letters, the program will facilitate the  hire of two or more new faculty members with a special expertise in an aspect of human development studies.  These new faculty members will develop and teach new courses, which will deepen the offerings of the interdisciplinary minor.

Exchange with universities in the developing world

To promote the exchange of ideas and culture—especially in the area of human development studies—the Ford Program will support faculty exchange between the University of Notre Dame and universities in Africa and other parts of the developing world.

Educational events

The Ford Program will support symposia, a seminar series, and a lecture series on topics relating to human development.  The program will bring prominent human development scholars and practitioners to the Notre Dame campus to offer insights and promote discussion among students and faculty.