Geography, Development, and Environment in the 'Third World'
one-way Exclusions
Two 1.5-hour lectures per week
It is critical that you read recommended articles and book sections which correspond to each class lecture to allow you to participate in class, to provide you with a stronger grasp of issues raised during the course and to provide you with initial background material for your own essay writing. Because we deal with a diverse range of theoretical debates and an even greater range of case studies it is difficult to refer to any one textbook. Links to articles and links to journal articles will be placed on onQ. You should not simply rely on your lecture notes if you aim to do well in this course.
Please note that course information listed in the Arts and Science Course Calendar supersedes any information listed on the Geography and Planning website.
For the most current course offerings, registered Queen鈥檚 students should consult .
Course Description
The geographical implications of the incorporation of the Third World into the global economy. Emphasis will be upon issues relating to both the physical and human environments in reference to development, ecological alteration, cultural change, and spatial readjustment.
Course Overview
This course investigates how the deeply interconnected global economy shapes human鈥揺nvironment relationships in places that are defined colonially as the 鈥榯hird world.鈥 Using geographical theories, current debates, and case studies from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, we examine how development thinking has evolved from the post鈥揥orld War II era to the present鈥攅specially as climate change, geopolitical instability, and widening inequalities redefine perceptions of 鈥減rogress鈥 and 鈥渕odernity.鈥
You will also explore how neoliberal development models influence everything from food systems and resource extraction to income inequality, race, gender, and environmental justice. By analyzing how global capitalist systems produce uneven development, you will explore why some communities remain vulnerable to climate shocks, resource exploitation, and economic precarity while others benefit.
Viewed through the lens of climate change, we will take the opportunity to re-examine deeply held concepts such as progress, modernity and civilization that continue to govern how, and what, we value as humans. While emphasis will be placed upon issues relating to climate change and human environmental interactions, another objective will be to help you to hone the written and interpretative skills that you are currently developing.
Course Topics
- Theories of Development
- Neoliberalism
- Globalization
- Debt
- Environmental Justice
- Migration & Displacement
- Energy Transition
- Artificial Intelligence & Digital Economy
- Wars & Conflict
Learning Outcomes
- Compare and contrast various theoretical approaches to development, including modernization theory, dependency theory, world-systems theory, and post-development theory.
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of different development strategies (neoliberal economic policies, state-led development, and grassroots alternatives) on the global South.
- Analyze the role of advanced economies in the socio-ecological and development challenges facing the Global South, including the historical and ongoing effects of resource extraction, environmental degradation, labour exploitation and debt.
- Describe and explain the role of international institutions (e.g., the World Bank, IMF, WTO) in shaping contemporary development agendas, and explore the impact of debt, foreign aid, trade policies and technology transfer on the Global South.
- Communicate key concepts from the course, (e.g., development, environmental justice, neoliberalism, globalization, (post)colonialism, capitalism, and inequality) in plain language format to a non-academic audience.
- Develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills through engagement with academic literature and case studies as well as written assignments and class participation.
Assessments
Subject to Change
- Participation and Attendance: 15%
- In class writing assignment: 15%
- Midterm: 30%
- End of Term Exam/Paper: 40%