This course will develop a critical awareness of geographical engagements within the fields of social change and social justice; environment and development; and cultural-historical processes. The course will assess the impacts of practical engagements 'beyond the academy' in Global North and Global South contexts, and assess debates about the politics and power relations of such engagements.

Weekly classes

A 3000 word essay or equivalent

1. To develop a critical awareness of geographical engagements within the fields of social change and social justice; environment and development; and cultural-historical processes.

2. To examine the impacts of such geographical engagements beyond the academy in Global North and Global South contexts

3. To assess debates about the politics and power relations of such engagements

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

1. discuss issues of participatory democracy, social justice, and international solidarity 

2. discuss the role of geography in understanding political ecology and environmental conflicts/justice

3. critically evaluate different theories and practices of development

4. evaluate the implications of development praxis for gender relations and indigenous knowledges

5. discuss issues of performance, representation, embodiment and materiality

6. discuss the expression and experience of the past in the present.

7. discuss the politics and power relations of different geographical engagements beyond the academy.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.