33715 - Political Geography (1) (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on the analysis of geopolitics and international politics from a geographical perspective. By linking the history of geography and geopolitics to colonialism and European imperialism the course aims at introducing the students to critical human geography and the understanding of how spatial theory and spatial practices are related to power and culture. Students will learn how to critically reflect and analyse contemporary cases of geopolitical interventions and discourses.

Course contents

In the first part, the course will introduce the origins and the development of geography and political geography since the end of the 19th century. More specifically, it will discuss the concepts of territory, nation state, region and border, adopting the methodologies of critical human geography. The emergence of geography as an academic discipline and a 'popular' form of knowledge will be linked to colonialism and the epistemologies and the associated narratives that have characterised European imperialism.

In the second part, the course will examine the history and the contemporary use of Geopolitics and the different stages of geopolitical theories: the geopolitics of European imperialism, cold war and post-cold war geopolitics, all presenting according to the perspectives offered by the field known as Critical Geopolitics. In this part, the relationship between Orientalism and geography and the geographers' understanding of the Nomos of the Earth will also be discussed.

Readings/Bibliography

ATTENDING STUDENTS

For attending students there will be one book to read, in addition to other shorter readings that will be indicated in class and available on could sharing platform IOL. Further information will be indicated at the beginning of the course.

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS

For the preparation of their exam, non-attending students are required to study the following books:

1) Jones M., Jones R., Whitehead M., Woods M., Dixon D., Hannah M., Introduzione alla geografia politica: Spazi, luoghi, politiche, Torino, UTET, 2021.

2) Minca C., Bialasiewicz L., Spazio e politica. Riflessioni di geografia critica, Padova, Cedam, 2004.

3) Schmitt C., Il nomos della terra, Milano, Adelphi, 1991.

Teaching methods

The first part of the course is largely based on frontal teaching/lectures. The second part is structured around a series of seminars in which the students are expecting to be involved in an open discussion facilitated by the lecturer. During the first class the lecturer will provide detailed instructions on how the course is organised, on the content, on the readings and on the exam.

Students who intend to take the exam as 'attending students' are expected to attend no less than 80% of the lectures.

By reason of the teaching methods, registration of the lectures is not provided nor authorized

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of a written exam with open questions.

There are different sets of question for attending and non attending students.

Attending students will be asked questions focussed on the materials discussed in class and on the relevant list of readings.

Non-attending students will be asked questions focussed on topics and subjects treated in the textbook and the other readings.

The assessment will consider:

1) the level of knowledge and critical understanding of the content addressed in the questions;

2) the strength of the argument and the capacity to identify links between the main topics discussed in the responses;

3) the use of the appropriate terminology.

I will assess with excellence grades the evidence of your acquisition of an exhaustive view of all the themes addressed and the capacity of dealing critically with them, in addition to the mobilization of a good written expression and correct use of specific terminology.

A mnemonic knowledge of the themes, accompanied by the capacity of analysis and synthesis expressed in appropriate language, will lead to average/good grades.

Lacunas in the key contents, and/or inappropriate language, in the context of a basic knowledge of the course's themes, will lead to grades that will not exceed the pass-mark (18 or so).

Lacunas, inappropriate language, lack of understanding of the course's materials will be assessed negatively. In case of fail grade, you will need to repeat the exam.

For attending students, active participation in class with questions and critical remarks will be appreciated.

The results will be notified by email

Teaching tools

Power point presentations

Cartography

Cloud sharing platform

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Proto