Module Information

Module Identifier
GGM3020
Module Title
Encountering Territory
Academic Year
2015/2016
Co-ordinator
Dr Elizabeth Gagen
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 11 x 2 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Extended essay (3000 words)  60%
Semester Assessment Reading journal (1200 words)  20%
Semester Assessment Oral presentation based on a specific case study (10 minutes) (to be recorded using lecture capture (video & sound))   20%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed assignments only if the overall module mark is a fail. Students unable to present their research proposal in the scheduled session will make a presentation to a panel of staff at a re-arranged time.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of territory and how this has been developed and used in human geography and related disciplines.
  2. Discuss and evaluate the application of different theoretical perspectives in geographical literature on territory.
  3. Describe and analyse a range of contexts in which territory has been examined in geographical research.
  4. Articulate and justify an individual critical perspective in relation to literature and debates concerning territory in human geography and related disciplines..
  5. Construct and communicate a scholarly argument in written form.
  6. Apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to a specific case study.
  7. Communicate research findings effectively through an oral presentation.

Brief description

The module will be taught in ten two-hour sessions. The module seeks to examine how territory has been conceptualized and theorized in human geography and other related disciplines. A number of more specific themes are examined in detail including: the production and disruption of territoriality through colonial, postcolonial and geopolitical agencies; the material and discursive practices of states and governments in producing and inscribing territory; how territory has always been contested by a range of individuals and groups; the way in which mobilities of people, knowledge and resources disrupts notions of territorial integrity.

Content

1) Encountering territory and territoriality
2) Colonial and postcolonial territorialities
3) Territory and geopolitics
4) States and territories
5) Inscribing legible territory
6) Contesting territory and place
7) Territories and globalisation
8) Mobilities and territoriality
9) INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS
10) Networked territorialities

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Some set readings may discuss empirical research based on numerical analysis.
Communication Written communication skills will be developed and assessed through the extended essay. Oral skills will be developed through discussion in seminars and will be assessed through the oral presentation.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study, including extensive reading for the essay and the oral presentation. Students will be required to develop self and time-management skills and will receive guidance from the MA coordinator, the module coordinator and the coordinator of the session.
Information Technology Students will develop their IT skills in researching and presenting their written work and the oral presentation. In particular, they will be expected to make use of varied online resources (such as online library or archival databases) in conducting research for the extended essays.
Personal Development and Career planning Students who wish to pursue academic careers within human geography will be encouraged to situate themselves and their own work in relation to concepts, theories and ideas that are presented in the module.
Problem solving Developed through the: 5,000-word extended essay (an independent piece of work demonstrating an appreciation of connections between philosophical, epistemological, and theoretical debates on the themes of landscape and territory); the oral presentation (researching a case study related to the concept of territory and devising and effective means of presenting it orally).
Research skills Developed through the 5,000-word extended essay and the oral presentation (see above).
Subject Specific Skills Knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches for the study of territory
Team work The module will involve group-based discussions and activities. Students will frequently be required to discuss concepts and ideas within pairs and within a group setting. The key skills developed here: listening, reflecting, negotiating and debating.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7