Since the 1990s Latin America has witnessed increasing societal and political debates over sexual and reproductive rights. Issues such as contraception, abortion, same sex marriage, transgender rights, sexual education and assisted reproductive technology have risen to the top of some countries' agendas after decades of silence, taboos, and restrictive or non-existent legislation. The course aims to provide a survey of sexual and reproductive rights in Latin America assessing the state of the regions as a whole, while at the same time highlighting the disparities that exist within it.

Poverty action and alleviation are terms that have been used in relation to how we imagine engaging with the so-called "Third World." This course seeks to analytically engage with poverty practices utilizing different models and paradigms of poverty alleviation around the world. Furthermore, the investigation of poverty alleviation will be situated within a larger historical context of 20th and 21st century international development.

Green Cities refers to nature within the urban environment - the integration of designed natural environments, the preservation and interpretation of nature, and the celebration of nature in public art. Surrounding green spaces within our cities is an infrastructure of community support, outreach, and political action that are necessary for their survival. "Green" also refers to the sustainable processes of cities in our evolving built environments.