Unit information: Colonial and Postcolonial Geographies in 2012/13

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Unit name Colonial and Postcolonial Geographies
Unit code GEOG30010
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Jackson
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

All units in Single Honours Geography Year 2C

Co-requisites

C Syllabus units

School/department School of Geographical Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This course will introduce students to the cultural and human geographies of post-colonial critique. Blending an historically patterned approach with thematic analyses of colonial and postcolonial discourses and practices, the course will investigate key areas of concern, including: imperialism, colonialism, empire, race, nationalism, conflict, resistance, decolonization, the city, political ecology, neo-imperialism, as well as representational and discursive techniques and strategies integral to colonialism, neo-colonialism, and postcolonialism. The module will be taught through a two-hour combination of lectures and seminars, the latter to include discussion and informal presentations by students and, when possible, visiting speakers. The critical analysis of visual materials including maps, photographs, paintings, drawings, and films will accompany the expectations for the course.

The aims of this unit are:

  • To introduce students to contemporary theoretical and empirical approaches to thinking about colonial and postcolonial geographies
  • To enable critical examination of different visual and textual sources and discursive techniques by which to engage topics of empire, imperialism, colonialism, postcolonialism, violence, hegemony, globalization, identity, diasporas, representation, etc.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this Unit students should be able to:

  • Understand the theoretical and practical issues underpinning the application of qualitative research methods in human geography
  • Conduct, and critically evaluate the appropriate use of, a range of qualitative methods
  • Design qualitative research projects in human geography

The following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:

  • Written and verbal communication
  • Team working and collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Lateral and strategic thinking
  • Analytical skills
  • Planning, design and implementing research projects

Teaching Information

Lectures

Assessment Information

Final Exam 50%

Research Paper 50%

Group Presentation (formative)

Reading and References

Course readings to be made up of journal articles, book chapters, reference entries, maps, films, etc. selected for students, and detailed in course syllabus.

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