Time Schedule:
Matthew Sparke
GEOG 308
Seattle Campus
Examines the overlapping economic, cultural, and political geographies shaping life in contemporary Canada. Topics include: free trade, constitutional crisis, feminism in Canada, aboriginal politics, and border region phenomena. Attention paid to how specific geographic interpretations of Canada by Canadians actually play a part in national life. Offered: jointly with SISCA 308; Sp.
Class description
The primary aim of this course is to explore the overlapping economic, cultural and political geographies shaping life in contemporary Canada. Beginning with a review of the physical and early settlement geographies of the country, we will move on to address topics ranging from Aboriginal land rights to the economic geography of resources, free trade and Canada's changing relationship with the US. With this background, the course will then turn to address the complex political geography underpinning Canada's recent constitutional debates. Here we will examine the development of Quebec's claims for territorial autonomy, feminist struggles over the public sphere, multiculturalism, and the impact of the Canadian charter of rights and freedoms. Throughout the course attention will be paid to how specific geographic interpretations of Canada by Canadians actually play a part in national life.
Two map quizzes, a mid-term, class participation in debates, a term-paper, a poster and a final examination all contribute to the final grade. The course involves a considerable amount of reading although students are encouraged to concentrate their most focused reading on just one of the four following themes: the Canadian environment; Aboriginal politics; the political economy of free trade; and the Canadian constitutional crisis.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
