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| Unit name |
After Neoliberalism? |
| Unit code |
GEOGM1413 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Professor. Larner |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department |
School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Science |
Description including Unit Aims
This research based seminar will introduce students to the geographical literatures on neoliberalism and then examine the continued relevance of these literatures in relation to five topical issues: environmental governance, the global financial crisis, the rise of the BRIC economies, and bio-capitalism. In doing so, it will expose students to diverse theoretical frameworks for analysing neoliberalism including political economy, cultural anthropology, regulationist approaches, neo-Foucauldian analyses, actor-network theory, Gramscian state theory and feminism. By the end of the seminar students should understand how geographical conceptions of global assemblages, policy mobilities, new state spaces, and socio-spatial inequalities have been used to analyse the fissured, hybridized, and contradictory governmental formations of the present.
The unit aims to introduce students to contemporary theoretical and empirical debates in the geographies of neoliberalism. Specifically, it provides a spatial understanding of:
- key theoretical concepts and categories employed in geographical political economy
- contemporary debates regarding the conceptualisation and evaluation of governmental and political formations;
- the relationships between theory, research and politics.
Learning objectives:
- To develop an awareness of the different geographies of neoliberalism;
- To develop an awareness of the implications of different theoretical approaches;
- To develop an awareness of contemporary debates regarding the conceptualisation and evaluation of new political, economic, social and cultural formations;
- To develop an awareness of the sense of political commitment and social responsibility in research endeavours;
- To develop an awareness of the potential policy and critical applications of political economic research.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Mobilise a set of concepts and categories focusing on the emergence of new political-economic forms at scales ranging from the global to the body.
- Have the ability to critically assess and practically apply these concepts to the evaluation of empirical case studies and the design of research projects.
The following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:
- Written and verbal communication
- Analytic skills
- Presentation skills
- Critical assessment
- Time management
Teaching Information
The unit comprises ten discussion-based seminars based on set readings. Full participation in discussions will contribute to success in the course and preparation is essential. Key readings for the week should be done in advance.
Assessment Information
20 minute presentation (20%); 3000 word extended essay (80%)
Reading and References
- Gibson-Graham, J-K (2006) The End of Capitalism (As We Knew It): A Feminist Critique of Political Economy, New Edition Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
- Harvey, D (2005) A Brief History of Neoliberalism. London: Oxford University Press.
- Heynen, N, McCarthy J, Prudham S and P Robbins (eds) (2007) Neoliberal Environments: False promises and unnatural consequences. London: Routledge
- Leitner, H., Peck, J and E Sheppard (eds) (2007) Contesting Neoliberalism: Urban Frontiers. London: Guilford Press.
- Peck, J (2010) Constructions of Neoliberal Reason. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Sharma, A (2008) Logics of Empowerment: Development, gender and governance in India. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
There is no core text book for this unit. Instead students will be required to read a selection of journal articles, book chapters and books as specified on the reading list circulated at the start of the course.
