Between November 11 and 15, 2005, the College of Technology and Sciences of the Sao Paulo State University in Presidente Prudente will simultaneously host the III National Rural Geography Symposium, the II International Rural Geography Symposium, and a Commemoration of the life and work of Ariovaldo Umbelino de Oliveira. Sponsorship of the event is a collaborative project between UNESP and the University of Sao Paulo (USP).

The symposia and the commemoration of Professor Ariovaldo feature pre-organized round-tables with invited participants and are dedicated to discussing core themes.

Applicants can propose papers for any of the following open-paper-session themes.

1. Peasant Agriculture/Family Agriculture
2. Agribusiness
3. Territorial Development
4. Education for the Countryside
5. Ethnic Development
6. Land Struggle and Agrarian Reform
7. Urban-Rural Relation
8. Theoretical and Methodological Questions for Contemporary Rural Geography

During the event, Field Trips related to the themes are planned for participants. Following the field trips, Colloquia will be held to discuss the experiences and articulate theory and practice.

The event will include seven Round-table sessions: four related to the symposia and three to the commemoration.

The symposia round-tables are:

1. Geographical Readings of Development, which will focus on theoretical and methodological questions;

2. Water Development, in which discussion will revolve around dams, resettlement, repositioning the San Francisco River, river populations, markets, the Guarani Aquifer, and other environmental questions;

3. Forest Development, in which participants will consider conservation units, watershed, forest populations, and ethnic development;

4. Countryside Development, including the themes of Peasant Agriculture, Family Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Agribusiness, and Rural Education.

The three round-tables planned for the commeration of Professor Ariovaldo will be composed of former advisees and representatives for social movements and institutions linked to the professor’s career. Following the trajectory of his career, three lines will be examined: Rural Geography, Urban Geography and the Pedagogy of Geography.

1. Rural Geography: this table will address the themes of Agrarian Reform, Rural Social Movements, Land Rents and Rural Capitalism, Peasant Agriculture and Family Agriculture, Theory and Method and Technical Assistance;

2. Urban Geography: the themes treated will include Land Rents, Property Markets, the Production of Urban Space, Theory and Method;

3. Pedagogy of Geography: the themes to be examined include Theory and Method, Public Policy, Curriculum, and Text Organization.

Other than these activities, the symposia and commemoration will include an Opening Plenary and Reception, and a Closing Plenary.