2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG2910 Political Geography

10 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Dr Martin Purvis
Email: m.c.purvis@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module focuses on the development of political systems, exploring the contrasting, but inter-related geographies of state-based and imperial systems. Emphasis is thus placed on the construction of different spatial scales of political jurisdiction and relationships between national and supra-national systems. Exploration of the ways in which notions of 'empire' have been reinterpreted at varous times and places from early modern Europe to the contemporary United States is at the heart of the module. This is complemented by an investigation of questions raised for any future European political geography by debates about the powers of the EU and plans for its further eastwards expansion. The module develops themes introduced at Level 1 in GEOG1200 Changing Worlds, but should be accessible to students who have not taken the latter. As a Level 2 module GEOG2910 also forms the starting point of a specialist strand which is continued at Level 3 with a module focusing on the political geography of modern Europe (GEOG3830). The module is assessed by a report and an unseen examination.

Objectives

On completion of this module you should have acquired:
1. an understanding of the main dimensions of modern political geographies;
2. knowledge of the processes underpinning change in political structures and identities;
3. an appreciation of the importance of space and place in the constitution of political institutions, identities and inequalities;
4. an understanding of theoretical perspectives on changing scales of political activity;
5. an appreciation of the influences of selected states and societies upon wider geopolitical and cultural systems;
6. skills in the identification and acquisition of literature and other sources, and knowledge of selected techniques of information retrieval, analysis and presentation in written and oral formats.

Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A1 The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the social sciences
A4 Spatial patterns and relationships in human phenomena at a variety of scales
A5 The geography of places and their constitution by environmental, economic, social and political processes, and the influence of places on these processes
A6 The geographies of difference and inequality with particular reference to historical development, ethnicity, class, gender and the changing nature of urban and regional economies and policy
A7 Contemporary debates about time-space relationships, globalization and global interconnections
A10 The contribution of geography to development of environmental political, economic and cultural agendas, policies and practices

B Cognitive skills
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
B2 Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
B3 Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
B4 Developing reasoned arguments
B5 Solving problems and making reasoned decisions

C Practical/professional skills
C1 Plan, design, execute and report geographical research both individually and as part of a team
C4 Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data
C5 Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries

D Key skills
D2 Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
D4 Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
D5 Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
D6 Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
D7 Manage time and organise work effectively

Syllabus

Outline Syllabus:
Week 1: States and their alternatives: political spaces and scales
Week 2: Political origins: creating a world of states
Week 3: Formal empires: European experiences at home and overseas
Week 4: Imperial perspectives and geography
Week 5: The USA as a world power: geopolitical perspectives
Week 6: Workshop: debating American 'imperialism'
Week 7: Reading week
Weeks 8 & 9: Geopolitical change in contemporary Europe
Week 10: Visions of post-modern geographies
Week 11: Conclusion and module overview

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	9	1.00	9.00
Private study hours			90.00
Total Contact hours			10.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

35 hours reading to support learning in individual lectures
10 hours reading, preparation and completion of work associated with workshop
25 hours reading, preparation and completion of report
20 hours revision for exam

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Mark and written comments as formative assessment of workshop assignment - by week 8.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Group Project	1,500 words report (jointly authored by 2 students)	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 15 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2009

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