The objective of this interdisciplinary course is to critically analyze – empirically and conceptually – processes of transformation in rural areas as related to access to and governance of resources and how these are reshaping the lives of people living there. Against this backdrop the course will address questions such as:
- How do rural people respond to new resource frontiers and their booms and busts?
- What forms of governance are emerging in the midst of, while giving shape to, contemporary rural transformations?
- How is contemporary rural life shaped by both transnational and global alliances of rural people and new authoritarian populist politics? Students will
- Obtain a nuanced understanding of processes of transformation in rural areas of the world in the 21st century, both empirically and theoretically;
- Be well acquainted with the major theoretical and empirical approaches to studying rural transformations at local, national and global levels;
- Engage in critical discussion, become acquainted with the work of others on rural transformations, and build networks within their chosen field of research.
Lecturers:
- Marc Edelman, Professor, The City University of New York
- Amita Baviskar, Professor, Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi • Tor Arve Benjaminsen, Professor, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Kenneth Bo Nielsen, Associate Professor, University of Oslo
- TBC: Jun Borras, Professor, International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague
Who may apply?
The interdisciplinary nature of the course will be most suitable for doctoral students engaging with different disciplines within the social sciences – anthropology, sociology, political science, geography, and development studies. Doctoral students will be prioritised, although other applicants may be considered only if space permits.
Application procedures and funding
Please visit our website or consult the attached course document for information about application procedures and funding. Course applications are accepted from 31 January until 5 April, 2018. An early application is highly recommended due to space constraints.
Should you have any practical enquiries, please do not hesitate to email the course secretariat at rural2018@sum.uio.no
