Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module GEOG3581: TERRITORY AND GEOPOLITICS

Department: Geography

GEOG3581: TERRITORY AND GEOPOLITICS

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Any Level 1 or level 2 GEOG module.

Corequisites

  • NONE

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • NONE

Aims

  • To enable students to learn about the relationship between territory and geopolitics in a variety of contexts
  • To provide historical and theoretical background to the understanding of territorial issues and contemporary geopolitics
  • To provide students with an understanding of contemporary disputes and agreements concerning territory, borders and geopolitics

Content

  • Introductory Lecture
  • Term 1: the history of the concept of territory. Lectures will discuss topics including:
  • - Ancient Greece
  • - The Roman Empire
  • - The Middle Ages
  • - Early Modern Europe
  • - The Birth of the Nation-State
  • - Colonialism
  • Term 2: territorial and geopolitical issues in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Lectures will cover topics including:
  • - The World Wars
  • - The Cold War
  • - Globalisation
  • - Humanitarian intervention
  • - Environmental questions
  • - The War on Terror
  • - Territory and geopolitics today

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the notion of territory and contemporary geopolitics
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a range of territorial issues, their representation, and their influence on politics
  • Use case study material effectively in relation to learning outcomes 1 and 2
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Critically assess and debate a number of current perspectives within political geography and geopolitics
Key Skills:
  • To show an understanding of the history of the concept of territory
  • To critically appraise the development of ideas of geopolitics
  • To relate these to conceptual debates in Geography
  • Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute an effective and well argued essay, and develop ideas and concepts in written work

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures will provide necessary breadth of coverage, overview and study guide required by the aims and objectives. These will be supported by additional reading lists, which will enable the student to build on information provided in the lectures
  • Seminar discussions following the lectures will provide students opportunity to discuss and develop ideas covered in the lectures
  • The 1.5 hour unseen examination will enable students to demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate the historical development of the notion of territory, some contemporary issues surrounding territory and geopolitics and demonstrate their knowledge of case studies
  • The essay will enable the students to examine and to write about an issue of interest to them in depth

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 15 weekly 2 hours 30
Seminars 7 fortnightly 1 hour 7
Student Preparation & Reading Time 163
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Coursework Essay 5 x sides A4 100% None
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Unseen Examination 1.5 hour 100% None

Formative Assessment:

3 x sides A4 analysis of a contemporary geopolitical issue


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University