This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

D-Lab: Development, Dialogue and Delivery

As taught in: Fall 2004

D-Lab student operating a treadle pump.

A D-Lab student tests a treadle pump during the IAP visit to Zambia. (Photo courtesy of Alfinio Flores. Used with permission.)

Instructors:

Amy J. Smith

Kurt Kornbluth

MIT Course Number:

SP.721

Level:

Undergraduate

Course Features

Course Description

D-Lab is a year-long series of courses and field trips. The fall class provides a basic background in international development and appropriate technology through guest speakers, case studies and hands-on exercises. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an IAP field trip to Haiti, India, Brazil, Honduras, Zambia, Samoa, or Lesotho and continue their work in a spring term design class. As part of the fall class, students will partner with community organizations in these countries and develop plans for the IAP site visit. In addition, students will learn about the culture, language, economics, politics and history of their host country.