Recognizing the economic interdependence between the U.S. and the rest of the world, Purdue offers an extensive research and teaching program on International Development. Students may select from a variety of courses and thesis projects examining agricultural trade and economic growth, working with a large group of faculty specializing in international issues. Students in this area often take additional courses in international finance and trade theory offered by the Department of Economics. Purdue's program in international development offers global coverage. Staff members have extensive overseas experience in South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe and the former Soviet Union, and several faculty members have on-going research programs providing opportunities for overseas fieldwork. Topics addressed include market reforms, trade and domestic policies, technical change in production, and the role of natural resources and environmental factors in the development process.