Any topic (writer’s choice)

Remember that a discussion board post should make connections between the case(s) and key course
concepts. You should also provide your own reflection/opinion on the material. See the Discussion Board
Assignment Guidelines for more details. You are also encouraged to pose a question for your peers
either asking about something youre unclear about, or seeking their opinion/thoughts on an issue as a
way of getting the discussion going. Feel free to bring in insights from outside materials, your own life
experiences, or current events!
OPTION 1: DEBATING PRIVATIZATION AND MARKETIZATION – Do you think private sector actors (e.g.
corporations) and/or markets (e.g. Water Funds) should be involved in urban water and sanitation
service provision and management? Why or why not? If your answer is yes, are there considerations
governments or other key stakeholders should be aware of when incorporating the private sector
and/or market-based approaches? I.e. are there measures they need to take to ensure equity,
accountability, effectiveness, etc.?
Answer with reference to at least one of the cases discussed in weeks 7-8, such as privatization
in Bolivia, Water Funds in Ecuador, the World Banks transnational policy agenda (Goldman,
2007), and/or public-private partnerships in Canada (from the week 8 guest lecture).
Draw on at least TWO required course readings from weeks 1-8 (you can count the film Even the
Rain as a reading). Make sure to explicitly mention the readings.
OPTION 2: EXPLORING COLONIAL LEGACIES – Colonialism involves the political, economic, and cultural
domination of one group/country over another. How does the theme of colonialism come up in the
readings, film, and lectures on neoliberalism and water? In what way is waters neoliberalization
portrayed as a form of neocolonialism (i.e. a modern-day continuation of colonial relations)? Do you
agree with this characterization? Why or why not?
Answer with reference to at least one of the cases discussed in weeks 7-8, such as privatization
in Bolivia, Water Funds in Ecuador, the World Banks transnational policy agenda (Goldman,
2007), and/or public-private partnerships in Canada (from the week 8 guest lecture).
Draw on at least TWO required course readings from weeks 1-8 (you can count the film Even the
Rain as a reading). Make sure to explicitly mention the readings.
OPTION 3: OPEN REFLECTION – Reflect on the Weeks 7/8 cases and topics in relation to course
theme(s) or concepts from weeks 1-6. Make sure to draw on at least two required course readings in
total (including at least ONE of the two academic readings from week 7, i.e. Joslin or Goldman). Make
sure to explicitly mention the readings