Labs are built on PPD 613a and PPD613b courses. PPD 613a is a 1-unit course that precedes and is prerequisite for a companion 3-unit intensive field course offered in the summer term. Although the two are closely coupled, they are technically two distinct courses. The primary purpose of the 1-unit course is to lay the groundwork for activity to follow in the companion course. Students will conduct background research, form thematic teams, and develop a proposed work plan that guides their fieldwork in the summer. During the 3-unit summer course (PPD 613b), students spend two weeks in a host country meeting with experts and practitioners, making site visits, and working collaboratively on their project.