Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1.       To analyse and examine the concepts of critical geopolitics
2.       To analyse and examine the theories and debates that surround concepts in critical geopolitics
3.       To acquaint students with the most important literature on these subjects
4.       To locate this literature in its appropriate historical context
5.       To develop students' ability to think cogently, rigorously and critically about the political causes, consequences and discourse of contemporary geopolitics

This module introduces students to how to think and analyse the spatial dimensions of politics. It explores the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary geopolitical thought. The myriad connections between identity, culture, security and space are running themes throughout the module topics.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics vary year on year. In recent years, topics covered have included:

Critical methodologies and geopolitics
Space in geopolitical thought
Orthodox geopolitics
Sovereignty and territory
Cartography
Borders and biopolitics
Vertical geopolitics
Popular geopolitics
Climate change and the environment
Planetary and outer space in geopolitical thought
War on Terror
Global war on Drugs
Infrastructure and geopolitics

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1.       Students will have gained a good analytical grasp of the concepts of geopolitics and critical geopolitics
2.       They will have gained a good critical understanding of the several theories and debates that surround these issues
3.       They will have become acquainted with important literature on geopolitics and critical geopolitics

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will have developed the skill to think cogently, rigorously and critically about concepts and arguments, particularly with reference to power and space.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

A seminar format will be used so that students can
•       give their own presentations on aspects of each major subject heading
•       engage in critical discussion which is an essential part of this discipline
•       receive instruction, guidance, advice, and help in identifying issues and critical questions from the seminar leader.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

750-word article review (20%) Students will write a review discussing a contemporary theme/s relating to one of the topics the module covers. Students will be asked to identify and engage with two to four articles or books that explore a theme related to the issues we discuss during the sessions.

3250-word research paper (65%) The module’s substantive assessment is a research paper, the topic of which is to be devised by the student in consultation with the module leader. Topics can vary and can be linked to one of the themes we deal with in the module or to a topic of your choosing as long as it can be connected to a discussion on the relationship between space and power.

Engagement (15%) - Students will be asked questions during seminars to encourage engagement with the module throughout the semester.


These modes of assessment will test students’ ability
•       to address a significant question in the area of geopolitics and critical geopolitics
•       to draw upon and engage critically with the relevant literature
•       to show analytical rigour in their use of concepts and their examination of theories and arguments
* to enhance participation during sessions

General Notes

N/A