121-436 The Geopolitics of Peace and Development

Completion of 200 points of study including at least 50 points of geography, development studies or politics.

This subject examines the ways in which geopolitical thought shapes practices of peace and development, and the ways in which peace and development are themselves interrelated. States shape their security and development policies according to their understanding of the geography of the world and other states. It is therefore important to understand these geopolitical reasonings in order to comprehend the causes of violence and poverty and strategies for their elimination. This subject uses key texts and case studies to illustrate the interconnections between geopolitics, peace and development. Students will develop an ability to think clearly and critically about past and contemporary world affairs.

• be capable of critical thinking and analysis

• be capable of thinking in theoretical terms

• be capable of written communication

• presentation skills (4th year)

For 3rd year students: a 10-minute tutorial presentation 10%, an associated written tutorial paper of 1000 words 20% (due one week after the tutorial presentation) and a 3000 word essay 70% (due at the end of semester). For 4th year students: a 10-minute tutorial presentation 10%, an associated written tutorial paper of 1000 words 20% (due one week after the tutorial presentation), a 3000 word essay 50% (due at the end of semester) and a 20-minute tutorial presentation on the major essay 20% (due in the last week of term). Masters students will write a 5000 word essay worth 100%.