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McGill University’s Department of Geography invites applications for an instructor to teach GEOG 325: New Master-Planned Cities. The course introduces planned cities in the Global South and covers origins, designs, and political contexts, with focus on Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
The course runs thirteen weeks with lectures MW 01:05 pm–02:25 pm in BURN 306; responsibilities include teaching, course management, developing exams, grading, and supervising TAs depending on
Course description: GEOG 325 introduces students to the phenomenon of new master-planned cities being built from scratch in the Global South since the 1990s. This course examines the origins, designs, and cultural politics of planned cities built from scratch, focusing primarily on those currently under construction in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. The course examines the various motivations underlying the design and construction of planned cities and how they are shaped by power, religion, political ideologies, economic interests, and geopolitical strategy. A variety of themes are explored: the rationale for branding cities as 'green' cities, 'smart', and 'creative'; how policies and ideas about new cities circulate transnationally; the political use of heritage, religion, and cultural revivalism; the role new city projects are playing in nation-building and national economic strategies in the Global South; and the economic forces that are facilitating new city projects.
The course is thirteen weeks and consists of lectures three hours/week plus office hours. Responsibilities include teaching, course management, developing exam materials, grading, and supervising TA's (note that TA support will be based on enrolment in the class). The course has two writing assignments, a participation component, a group project, and a final examination.
We are looking for an instructor with a PhD in urban geography (ABD is fine). The candidate should have a research focus on new master-planned cities / mega-developments in the Global South and have experience conducting fieldwork in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. An understanding of urban policy mobilities, nation-building, postcolonialism, 'smart' cities, and city-building as a geopolitical strategy is a definite asset.
Lecture: MW 01:05 pm-02:25 pm BURN 306
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located. McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.
Hiring Unit: Department of Geography Course Title: New Master-Planned Cities Subject Code: GEOG 325 001 Location: BURN 306 Schedule: MW 01:05 pm-02:25 Deadline to Apply: 2026-10-14
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.
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