2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG3290 Geographies of Global Insecurities

20 creditsClass Size: 200

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

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Module replaces

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The contemporary world is faced by interrelated challenges that generate substantial political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental insecurities. This module focuses upon a series of key challenges: conflict between states and non-state actors; socio-economic inequality; migration/(im)mobility and climate change. It analyses the geographical dynamics and expressions of insecurity that such challenges generate, as well as policy and popular response to them.

Objectives

By the end of this module students who have engaged well with the syllabus should be able to:
1. display an informed understanding of the inter-related insecurities associated with conflict between state and non-state actors; socio-economic inequality; climate change, migration and (im)mobility.
2. engage with political ideas and theories associated with the concept of geographies of insecurity;
3. demonstrate an awareness of the multi-faceted nature of insecurity in the contemporary world, including its economic and political underpinnings and social and cultural expressions;
4. use academic, journalistic and electronic information sources to inform their critical analysis of processes of insecurity and inequality;
5. express their understanding in written and oral forms.

Learning outcomes
- Changing conceptions of security and insecurity in the contemporary world, and the ways in which these relate to environmental, territorial, political and social conflicts.
- An understanding of debates about the roles of states and non-state actors in promoting both security and insecurity.
- An understanding of the social and spatial impact and implications of human migration and (im)mobility in an insecure world.
- The interrelationships between inequality, climate change and migration/(im)mobility
- Contemporary debates concerning climate change; the tropic of chaos and climate justice
- 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.
- The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the social sciences.

Skills outcomes
Cognitive skills
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

Practical/professional skills
Plan, design, execute and report geographical research
Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of qualitative geographical data
Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries

Key skills
Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations
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

The indicative content for this module includes:

Block 1: Global insecurities: Political and Geopolitical Perspectives
Inter-state conflict: Continuity and change
Non-state actors

Block 2: Migration and (Im)mobility
Migration and securitization
Forced migration: Refugees and trafficking
Carceral geographies and racial capitalism
Producing insecurity: Irregular migrants

Block 3: Climate Change and Climate Justice
Climate change and security
Tropic of chaos / climate of injustice
Climate change and migration/ climate justice

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Seminar	15	1.00	15.00
Private study hours			170.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

- 60 hours reading to support individual lectures and to prepare for seminars
- 70 hours reading, bibliographical research and preparation for assessed essay
- 40 hours reading, bibliographical research and preparation for formative work

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through feedback on essay and formative assessment

Student progress will also be monitored through participation in seminars

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3,000 words	100.00
In-course Assessment	Formative assessment	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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: 09/05/2023

Disclaimer

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