Interview description

Dr. James Nugent, currently Lecturer at the University of Waterloo, received his undergraduate degree in 2006 from UTSC and continued with his graduate work at UofT’s St. George Campus. Nugent shares his early experiences of student activism and involvement at UTSC, particularly through Resources for Environmental and Social Action (RESA), while also reflecting on the larger societal and political shifts following 9/11. Nugent remarks on the unique student environment at UTSC, noting events, initiatives, as well as the cross-cultural learning he experienced there. In describing his participation in the anti-globalization movement and peace action, through to his later work on climate justice and social policy, Nugent discusses the impact of service learning and community engagement in education. He reflects on the pressures faced by current students and questions how these will shape youth activism, as well as considering the effects of social media and the breadth of issues in which students are engaged both here and abroad.

Organizations

• Resources for Environmental & Social Action (RESA)
• International Development Studies Association (IDSA)
• University of Toronto Scarborough College (UTSC)
• Grrl Fest, University of Toronto Scarborough College
• The Meeting Place, University of Toronto Scarborough College

Subject Topics

• Anti-globalization movement
• Protests and demonstrations
• Anti-war movement
• International development studies
• Fair trade
• Climate / environmental justice
• Community partnerships
• Social media
• International students

Citation: University of Toronto Archives. Oral History Collection on Student Activism. Oral history interview with James Nugent conducted by Ruth Belay, 21 February 2020. A2020-0010/010S.