University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Offered on a two-year cycle

Planned timetable: 9:00 am - 11:00 am Thurs

This module focuses on a critical analysis and empirical reflection on the border and its functions, to better appreciate borders' paradoxical cultural and political roles. It will provide a framework for understanding contemporary bordering practices, their role in processes of identity-building and the constitution of belonging and difference within the fields of political and cultural geography. It will provide an introduction to the multi-disciplinary arenas of border studies, critical geopolitics, and biopolitics. An understanding of the over-arching power of discourse will be central to this course; the examples used will provide students with a deeper appreciation of how discourses work in the transmission of knowledge and the legitimisation of action. This module will challenge students to think about the complex functions of the border and their deeply political nature.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass GG2012 or pass SD2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks) 1 x 1-hour seminar (x 10 weeks) 2 hours feedback and additional exam prep sessions

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 1-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%


Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr S Leahy
Module teaching staff: Dr S Leahy