2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG3061 Geographies of 'Britishness'
20 creditsClass Size: 65
Module manager: Dr Nichola Wood
Email: n.x.wood@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module will explore the cultural and political geographies of 'Britishness'. In particular, it will examine the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of 'Britishness' and investigate its role and usefulness in uniting Britain's diverse social and cultural communities. The module is split into three sections. The first explores the early development of 'Britishness' focusing in particular on the role of Protestantism and the British imperial project. The second unsettles homogenous conceptions of 'Britishness' by exploring the ways in which it is refracted through the lenses of gender, class and ethnicity. This section will explore questions of who is included/excluded from representations of 'Britishness' and the extent to which national cultures can accommodate difference and diversity. The final section will explore some of the recent debates on the role and significance of 'Britishness' in the contemporary era. These include the challenges of/for multiculturalism, New Labour's commitment to active citizenship as a means of promoting social cohesion and civil renewal and the impacts of devolution. The module builds upon discussions of political and social geography at Levels 1 and 2.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:- understand the key debates that surround the cultural and political geographies of 'Britishness'.
- demonstrate a good working knowledge of the key areas of social and political theory that are relevant to understanding the concepts and issues raised in the module.
- appreciate the diverse, dynamic and contested nature of 'Britishness' at a range of spatial scales.
- understand how issues of recognition, difference and representation both define and challenge contemporary notions of 'Britishness'.
- use the knowledge acquired during the module to analyse some of the contemporary cultural and political challenges that are faced by Britain's diverse communities.
- demonstrate an ability to retrieve, analyse and present information in written and oral formats.
Learning outcomes
-Spatial patterns and relationships in human phenomena at a variety of scales
-The geography of places and their constitution by environmental, economic, social and political processes, and the influence of places on these processes
-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
-Contemporary debates about time-space relationships, globalization and global interconnections
-The contribution of geography to development of environmental political, economic and cultural agendas, policies and practices
Skills outcomes
- Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
- Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
- Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
- Developing reasoned arguments
- Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries
- Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
- Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
- Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
- Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
- Manage time and organise work effectively
Syllabus
1. Introduction: Britain, 'Britishness' and British National Identities
2. The Invention of Britain
3. Rule Britannia - Experiences and Impacts of Empire
4. Gendering 'Britishness'
5. Class Matters
6. After Empire - 'Britishness' in a Postcolonial Age
7. Reading Week
8. Challenges of/for Multiculturalism
9. Making British Citizens - Education and Naturalisation
10. The Break-Up of Britain - Geographies of Devolution.
11. The Future of 'Britishness'?
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Private study hours | 180.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
60 hours reading to support and supplement lectures40 hours reading, research and preparation for assessed essay
30 hours reading, research and preparation for assessed seminar presentation
50 hours revision and preparation for examination
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Feedback on seminar presentations and group discussions throughout module.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2,000 words | 40.00 |
| Oral Presentation | 15-20 minute group presentation | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
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) | 2 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
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 websiteLast updated: 10/03/2009
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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