THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
- ARCHIVE for reference only
THIS PAGE IS OUT OF DATE

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Geography

Undergraduate Course: Political Geography (GEGR10038)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) Credits20
Home subject areaGeography Other subject areaNone
Course website http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/geography/Honours/U00401/ Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThe course is an introduction to political geography. The course examines a wide range of political activities - and the structures that mediate them - at a number of geographical scales. The main theoretical premise of the course is that the current world order based on nation-states and the ideology of nationalism has had a profound impact on the definition of what is political and on the scope for changing political ideas, institutions and organisation. As this suggests, nation-states are not viewed simply as the context for studying political geography, but also as a subject of analysis in its own right.

To this end, the course begins with introductory lectures that provide a historical review of political geography; an overview of fundamental terms and concepts; and a general introduction to the concept of nation and the ideology of nationalism. Against this backdrop, the course uses seminars (and associated summary lectures) to explore topics such as historical variation in the form, function and ideology of states; nation-states and manifestations of nationalism; electoral systems; local government and urban politics; as well as geopolitics and world orders.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
To provide an overview of the development of geopolitical thought in general and of contemporary work in political geography.

To consider the meanings and interactions of territory, space and political activity.

To encourage case-studies of the geography of particular political movements and issues.

To explore the ideology of nationalism and its impact on political structures, systems and movements.
Assessment Information
Class assessment: As outlined in course handbook.

Degree assessment: One two-hour examination (2 questions) AND One essay (2000 words)
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Jan Penrose
Tel: (0131 6)50 8161
Email: dr.j.penrose@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Catherine Campbell
Tel: (0131 6)50 9847
Email: cathy.campbell@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Timetab
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 16 January 2012 6:09 am