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Content: This module aims to build a better understanding of infrastructure and service provision challenges in the urbanising global South through a critical examination of the realms of water and sanitation policy and practice. Participants are equipped with a conceptual and empirically based framework for understanding and action. This enables them to undertake a critical examination of historical and contemporary commitments, discourses and narratives as well as the range of governance arrangements along the service chain to explore the potential for the universalisation of services as well as the promotion of water and sanitation justice. The module draws on various case studies to understand the roles different actors play in context. In doing so, the module explores the range of policy initiatives instigated by government, private sector providers, external support agencies and other key players in infrastructure development as well as the diverse range of activities people routinely engage in to try and meet their water and sanitation needs and improve access, critically examining their potential and limitations to advance inclusive and sustainable access to essential infrastructure and services in the context of a changing climate. The module focuses on urban areas, although it also places an important emphasis on the ‘peri-urban interface’, where needs and complexities tend to be higher.

Teaching delivery: The module consists of nine teaching units. It adopts multiple forms of teaching and learning, including lectures, discussions, seminars, group presentations and a range of asynchronous activities including readings, videos and podcasts. Guest speakers and experts are invited to provide insights on particular aspects of the module.

Indicative Topics: This module explores critical aspects related to infrastructure and service provision in the urbanising global South, including questions of gender and intersectionality, finance and governance. It examines the evolution of approaches, interventions and service provision arrangements and their impact on people and the environment.

Module Aims and/or Objectives:

This module aims to provide participants with an ability to:

• Understand the contested terrain of water and sanitation politics in urban areas and its influence on policy and practice;
• Apply a gender and intersectional lens to engage critically with water and sanitation policy, planning and practice.
• Undertake desk-based research and present relevant evidence to support a detailed critical analysis
• Identify the current and potential roles of governments, communities, grassroots organisations, NGOs, service providers and international agencies in confronting the urban water and sanitation challenges.
• Identify conditions and capacities required to promote and realise 'water and sanitation justice' and build on unorthodox and innovative approaches.

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