Political Geography and GeopoliticsLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- comprehend the basics of geopolitics and political geography and gain an overview of the related questions and issues worldwide
- analyze world politics and its associated political relations as spatial, regional, and global phenomena
- identify the analytical approach of critical geopolitics and the theoretical and empirical research conducted within its framework.

Content

The course introduces students to the research traditions and applications of geopolitics and political geography. In the course literature, the historical development, political significance, and theoretical and empirical forms of geopolitical research are reviewed.

The course covers, among other topics, the significance of geopolitics in the history of the Westphalian state order, the world wars in Europe, and the subsequent integration; the rise, demise, and resurgence of the field of geopolitics in the form of critical geopolitics; the history, theory, and practice of great power politics; as well as the ideological tensions between pluriversalism and universalism in international relations.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail (0): Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient (1): Demonstrates limited understanding. May contain clear misunderstandings. The text primarily consists of minimal summarization of lectures and/or other materials. There is little evidence of original thought.

Satisfactory (2): Demonstrates moderate understanding. Emphasis is on repetitive description of lectures and/or other materials, which may contain minor errors. Some evidence of original thought and reflection is present.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3): Demonstrates understanding of the subject matter. Original thinking is evident. A broader overview, synthesis of concepts, and application of knowledge are apparent but somewhat limited.

Very good (4): Demonstrates understanding of the relationships between concepts. Original thinking is evident throughout, with an analytical, selective, and comprehensive approach.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Demonstrates a profound understanding of the subject matter and its interrelations. Reflective, evaluative, personal, courageous, and/or inquisitive.

Materials

Choose one book from each: 1. John R Short (2022) Geopolitics : making sense of a changing world OR Jason Dittmer & Joanne P. Sharp (2014) Geopolitics : an introductory reader 2. John A Agnew (2023) Hidden geopolitics : governance in a globalized world TAI Vilho Harle (2023) Hyvä, paha, ystävä, vihollinen (toinen, uudistettu laitos) TAI George Orwell, 1984.