Module GEOG1241: GEOGRAPHIES OF CRISIS

Department: Geography

GEOG1241: GEOGRAPHIES OF CRISIS

Prerequisites

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To critically explore the causes and consequences of a range of contemporary crises
• To develop students’ appreciation of the interdependencies and interconnections that make up the contemporary world
• To encourage reflection on possible solutions to crises

Content

• The module will focus on a range of contemporary crises, exploring their causes, thinking about their consequences, and considering solutions. Through descriptions and explanations of specific crises, the module will introduce students to the complex geographies of the contemporary world, in particular the interconnections and interdependences that make up life today. The module will be organised into blocks dealing with different crises and the interrelations between them. By combining detailed examples with relevant concepts, the lectures and tutorials linked to each block will explore the causes, consequences and lived experience of crises, trace responses by people, states and organisations, and debate and discuss solutions and alternatives.
• Lectures and tutorials will:
• Describe, discuss, and debate the causes and consequences of a variety of contemporary crises affecting the global North and South, including a selection drawn from the following events and situations: political violence and terrorism; resource and energy policy; climate change; sanitation and other development issues; financial and other economic events; migration and refugees; urban change and unrest; health and well-being; youth and ageing; domestic violence; gender inequality; race and indigenous struggles; over-consumption
• Understand and evaluate a range of solutions to specific crises
• Outline debates about the interconnected and interdependent nature of the contemporary world
• Introduce a range of relevant concepts and theories drawn from geography and other social sciences, and show the difference those approaches make to how we understand the geographies of crisis

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding of a range of crises affecting the contemporary world
• Show awareness of the multiple dimensions and effects of crises and have an appreciation of the geographies of difference and inequality that underpin crises
• Show awareness of the range of possible solutions to specific crises
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the interconnected and interdependent nature of the contemporary world
• Show detailed knowledge of examples from around the globe, situate these in a wider conceptual framework while reflecting on the place-specific outcomes of such processes

• Critical skills in analysing the diverse geographical causes of a range of crises
• A command of various conceptual vocabularlies appropriate for understanding how political, economic, social and other geographies are made through crises
• An ability to describe and interpret the world in terms of multiple interconnections and interdependencies
• An ability to critique the unequal geographies that result from specific crisies and evaluate the various solutions that are offered to crises
• A sensitivity to the multiple, often conflicting, interpretations that surround crises and an ability to identify and consider the political effects of treating an event or situation as a crisis

• Assessing the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and policies
• Critically judging and evaluating evidence
• Abstracting and synthesising information
• Developing a reasoned argument
• Learning and self-directed study
• Written communication
• Contextualising and synthesising information

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

• Lectures are used to convey facts and concepts and to contribute to building knowledge and understanding
• Lectures are supported by slides, overheads and video clips, and some participatory activities
• Full reading lists provide students with the means to undertake independent study and learning
• Tutorials are used to develop deeper knowledge and understanding and the ability to assess theories and evaluate evidence. They will also provide students with the opportunity to present material as a means of critically reflecting on the subject specific knowledge and theories/concepts used
• The formatively assessed essay develops the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, to critically evaluate information, theories and evidence, to present a reasoned argument, and to communicate ideas in writing
• The formatively assessed oral presentation develops presentation skills and assesses the capacity of students both to develop a collaborative assignment and to think on their feet through questions and discussion
• The summatively assessed essay and the written examination assess the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, to critically evaluate information, theories and evidence, to present a reasoned argument, and to communicate ideas in writing

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1 x Formative Essay (Max 4 pages A4), Oral Presentation in Small Groups

■ 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