Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - GEOG 421 D100

Geographical Political Economy (4)

Class Number: 2297

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 321.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the historical development of the material spaces and places affected by changing capitalist dynamics and the dominant theories through which they are explained, legitimized, and criticized, from a geographical perspective. Students who received credit for GEOG 421 (STT), Advanced Contemporary Capitalism, may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course investigates the historical, geographical and political implications of modern political economic thinking. The aim is to provide students with an advanced understanding of political economy and economic policy, via influential political economic theory of the last two centuries. We will focus on the role of markets, the place of state and non-state institutions, and the work of formal and informal economic governance (macroeconomic policy, de/regulation, trade regimes, class structure, etc.). Students without some familiarity with basic political economy (e.g. GEOG 321 or equivalent) are expected to have engaged in additional reading before the semester begins. Active weekly participation in class discussion is required.

Grading

  • Paper 25%
  • Group project 25%
  • Participation 25%
  • News flash 15%
  • In class writing 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Selected articles circulated by the instructor or available through SFU Library

3 or 4 books, yet to be finalized.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.