Geography (course 1, semester 2)

This course aims that students acquire the knowledge and basic tools for geographical and geopolitical understanding of today's world at various scales (global, regional, local) , focusing on the analysis of some actors and regions which are particularly relevant in this respect.

The course, structured in two parts, seek to achieve several objectives. The first of these parts aims to summarize the theoretical and conceptual foundations of regional geography, from an eminently geopolitical perspective; the main explanatory theories of the politico-territorial structure and conflicts of today's world; and the processes of regional division and differentiation at different scales, with special attention to the case of Europe. The second part will analyse some representative state and regional actors in terms of the uneven global distribution of power, namely the United States, China and Africa. The final lesson of this second part will approach the bases and territorial conflicts of the Spanish "State of Autonomies". LIST OF TOPICS PART I: INTRODUCTION TO REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY. A GEOPOLITICAL PERSPECTIVE LESSON 1. Regional geography and geopolitics. LESSON 2. Major global geopolitical theories and doctrines. LESSON 3. Regional divisions and differentiation processes in contemporary world. The case of Europe. PART II: THE GEOGRAPHY OF WORLD POWER AND GLOBAL ORDER (OR DISORDER) LESSON 4. The world seen from the United States:geopolitical basis and challenges of a global superpower. LESSON 5. The rise of Chinese superpower. LESSON 6. Africa: a peripheral region in the world-system. LESSON 7. Introduction to geopolitics of the Spanish "State of Autonomies".

The course combines theoretical sessions and practical sessions. Theoretical sessions present the basic contents of the subject syllabus and aim to provide students with conceptual and methodological fundamentals for undersdanding and analyzing the geographic reality of different regions. Theoretical sessions will be developed through classroom lectures by the teacher, while practical sessions will be focused on the reading, discussion and critical analysis of selected bibliography, as well as, eventually, on the preparation of a written report or essay aiming to analyze a specific regional problem or area. The tutorials will take place by face-to-face interviews and/or via e-mail.