DSOC 6620 - The Social Life of Land

(CU-ITL, CU-SBY)

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading.

W. Wolford.

The graduate seminar this spring will include three distinct pieces: first, an intensive reading of the classics in agrarian studies around the topics of state formation, economic exchange and systems, colonization and post-colonial studies, development, and environmental politics; second, regular attendance and participation in the weekly public symposium series; and third, organization of a student-led workshop to be held in early May with papers presented by the seminar participants. In order to prepare for the student-led workshop, we will select one keynote speaker to give a talk on the day of the workshop, and students will read each other’s papers and work on their own throughout the semester.

Outcome 1: Discuss the classic themes and literatures in Agrarian Studies.

Outcome 2: Discuss the new work being done and cutting edge issues in the field.

Outcome 3: Use course resources to create a broader network of key scholars in the field.

Outcome 4: Submit a paper written for the course to a publisher.