Tamar Mayer
Robert R. Churchill Professor Emerita of Geosciences
- Office
- Robert A. Jones '59 House 113
- Tel
- (802) 443-5568
- mayer@middlebury.edu
Courses Taught
GEOG 0201
Geographies of Globalization
Course Description
Geographies of Globalization
Globalization has long roots in history. At its core, it involves processes that connect places and people through the flow of ideas, technology, goods, and information, which as they move from place to place and are adopted, disrupts local and indigenous cultures, economies, and even political systems. These processes tend to homogenize cultures and tastes and are therefore a source of conflict over heritage, memory, and power. These clashes over the “nature” of society embody the global-local divide. In this course we will interrogate not only when and how the flow of goods and ideas occur but the where, as well. We will examine the geographical impact of these flows, and question why some people/places are more affected by globalization than others. 3 hr lecture.
Terms Taught
Requirements
GEOG 0210
Geopolitics & Intl Development
Course Description
Geopolitics and International Development
This course critically examines theories and practices of development in the “global-South,” where in many cases development has been inextricably related to foreign interests of donor countries in the West and of Brazil, India, and China. We will emphasize the importance of territory, security, statehood, and sovereignty in the development process and highlight the evolving nexus between geopolitics and development, with a special emphasis on Africa. We will probe the connections between "development" and "underdevelopment," and ask questions about the possible impact of South-South vs. the historical North-South development. We will focus on the contribution of development to progress, on the one hand, and to its stagnation, on the other, and focus on specific issues like food, population dynamics, resources, and rural- urban relationship. 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
GEOG 0220
Geopolitics of the Middle East
Course Description
Geopolitics of the Middle East
This course examines the Middle East from a geographical perspective with emphasis on the historical and political underpinnings of the region. The Middle East, the cradle of civilization, has been, due to its geography, one of the major arenas for political and ideological conflicts. It has been subject to an unequal power relationship with the West, which, together with Islam, has affected the level of its political, social, and economic development. This course will provide an analytical introduction to the historical, political, social, and economic geography of the region and will analyze the major transitions this region has undergone. 3 hrs.lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
GEOG 0500
Upcoming
Independent Study
Course Description
Independent Study
A one-credit intensive research project developed under the direction of a faculty member. Junior majors only. (Approval Required)
Terms Taught
GEOG 0700
Upcoming
Senior Research
Course Description
Senior Research
A one-credit intensive research project developed under the direction of a faculty member. Senior majors only. (Approval Required)
Terms Taught
GEOG 0701
Upcoming
Senior Thesis
Course Description
Senior Thesis
Students with a departmental GPA of 3.3 or higher are eligible to complete a two-credit senior thesis. In order to complete a senior thesis, students must have a proposal approved by a primary thesis advisor and a secondary departmental reader prior to registering for the first 0701 credit. Upon completion of the thesis, thesis students will present their work in a public seminar and defend the thesis in front of the departmental faculty. Thesis presentations and defenses will typically take place during the final week of classes or the examination period. Upon completion of the presentation and defense, the primary advisor and secondary departmental reader will be responsible for evaluating and grading the thesis. It is strongly encouraged that students considering a thesis discuss their ideas with an advisor during the semester prior to registering for formal thesis credits. (Approval only)
Terms Taught
HEBM 0500
Independent Project
Course Description
Independent Project
(Approval Required)
Terms Taught
IGST 0436
Terrorism
Course Description
Terrorism
Terrorism has taken on new dimensions in an age dominated by technology and mass media. It has continued to cause carnage as terrorists around the globe continue to resist violently real or perceived oppression. In this course we will examine the breeding grounds for terrorist activities and interrogate the global connections behind local and national extremist/terrorist groups. We will explore ethno-national and religious terrorist groups from Asia, Europe, and Latin America, and probe white supremacist groups in the U.S. The aim of the course is to develop critical understanding of the phenomenon of terrorism, the local-global connections, and the challenges associated with terrorism in the 21st century. 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
IGST 0700
Upcoming
Senior Work
Course Description
Senior Work
(Approval Required)
Terms Taught
Academic Degrees
B.A. University of Haifa, Israel
M.S., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison