2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG3081 Borders and Boundaries: Constructing Social Space
20 creditsClass Size: 95
Module manager: Dr David Sibley
Email: d.sibley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
The module adopts an inter-disciplinary approach to the construction of social space. It encourages students to think outside the mainstream of human geography, first, by thinking about space from alternative disciplinary perspectives and, second, by examining the socio-spatial lives of groups with other cosmologies, such as Roma Gypsies. Hence, there is extensive discussion of psychoanalytical and anthropological takes on space and investigation of the daily experiences of nomads in developed societies. The final section of the module, on human-animal relations and the 'placing' of animals in the human imagination, is also designed to help students think beyond the conventions of human geography.Objectives
On completion of the module, students should have acquired:1. an appreciation of different disciplinary perspectives on the construction of social and cultural boundaries, specifically, anthropological, sociological, psychoanalytical and geographical perspectives.
2. a deeper understanding of power relations and social conflict
3. an understanding of the political implications of group boundaries
4. an appreciation of the broader social science context of geographical work on borders and boundaries
5. skills in interpreting a diverse literature
Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and understanding
A1 Making connections between debates in different disciplines
A2 Gaining insights into the production of knowledge in the social sciences
A3 Developing critical perspectives on taken-for-granted concepts, e.g community
A4 Increasing understanding of racism and other prejudices
B Cognitive skills
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from diverse sources
B2 Critical evaluation of different theories and social practices
B3 Developing reasoned arguments
B 4 Problem solving
C Practical/professional skills
C1 Plan, design and execute projects, both individually and as a part of a team
C2 Interpret and synthesise different kinds of information
D Key skills
D1 Effective communication
D2 Group working, with respect for the viewpoints of others
D3 Time management and effective organization of work
Syllabus
1 Thinking about geography from the margins
2 Anthropological and psychoanalytical perspectives on space: the construction and effects of personal and small group boundaries
3 Power, control and spatial organization
4 Stereotyping and its spatial consequences
5 Nomads and the settled society
6 Society/nature and human/animal relations
7 Conclusion and module overview
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 12 | 1.00 | 12.00 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
| Private study hours | 180.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
60 hours background reading for lectures30 hours preparatory reading for seminars
40 hours reading and bibliographic research for assessed essay
50 hours revision for examination
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Through seminars, group discussions, and one-to-one discussion of essay projectsMethods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2,500 Words | 50.00 |
| 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: 29/04/2009
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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