Sustainability and Global Development Practice Case Study Precapstone

Case studies are a cornerstone of sustainability and global development scholarship and practice, grounding abstract theories and concepts in real-world examples. This course familiarizes students with the case study model and provides guidance in producing a research proposal to produce their own case. The course aims to provide students with an immersion in existing case studies, with the ultimate goal of informing their own projects. Students read case studies from a range of authors, both at Harvard and beyond, and discuss and analyze what the components are of a successful case study. The course provides guidance in best practices in primary research; students learn how to select a case topic and format, choose methodologies, and manage scope and scale. Finally, the course aims to help students produce an actionable research proposal that balances their interests with achievable research goals.