Geography 694P - S-Political Geography

An analysis of how and why we organize the world into political territories and into geographically based political alliances and systems, and the consequences of this organization for people and environments. The first half of the course focuses on the practice of organizing the world into bordered political units, emphasizing especially the history and consequences of the nation-state system. The second half of the class focuses on the politics of development and the globalizing economy. Throughout the course, case studies will pay particular attention to issues of global inequality and environmental challenges.

Geography 694P is designed primarily for Masters students who have some knowledge of international issues. Graduate students meet together with undergraduates in a lecture/discussion class that provides a broad overview introduction to political-geographic, political-economic, and development theory, history, and issues. Graduate students will also participate in a one hour/week discussion group discussing advanced readings and student research.