Time Schedule:
Stephen J Young
SIS 375
Seattle Campus
An introduction to both political geography and geopolitics, addressing the fundamental links between power and space. Topics covered include: theories of power, space, and modernity; the formation of modern states; international geopolitics in the aftermath of the Cold War; the post-colonial nation-state; and the geopolitics of resistance. Offered: jointly with GEOG 375.
Class description
Geopolitics is the practice of envisioning and representing global space in a way that reflects - though they are not always overtly stated - particular strategic interests. Most geopolitical treatises focus on some supposedly innate, objective difference between people and places - based on religion, race, resource endowment, and so on - that presents a security threat. This course draws mostly from critical geopolitics literature that deconstructs these spatial representations, revealing their cartographic erasures and the material violences they produce. The first half of the course will provide a historical overview of some of the dominant geopolitical imaginations of the last 200 years including colonial representations of 'the Orient', Nazi propaganda maps, and the bipolar world of the Cold War discourse. In the second half of the course, we will focus on the current US-led 'war on terror'. We will explore how 'terror' has been mapped onto particular spaces and relate this to the complexity and diversity of everyday events and lives on the ground. We will also explore the ties and tensions between contemporary geopolitics and neoliberal globalization. (i) How are space and power intertwined? (ii) To what extent do Sept. 11th and the subsequent 'war on terror' represent a new paradigm in global conflict? (iii) How are key geopolitical events framed differently through popular culture around the world?
Student learning goals
Analyze geopolitical issues as they are depicted in both foreign policy documents and popular culture around the world.
Explain how these discourses reflect particular interests and ideologies.
Identify who/what is targeted and elided in the 'war on terror'.
Understand the relationship between the 'war on terror' and neoliberal globalization.
General method of instruction
Seminars will involve a combination of lectures, group discussions, documentaries, quizzes and worksheets. Students will also be required to participate in one formal debate, present a group film analysis in class, and conduct independent research for an end-of-term paper.
Recommended preparation
GEOG/SIS 123, GEOG 276, SIS 201
Class assignments and grading
Research paper (35%): You will be required to research and write a 3, 500 word paper on a theme relevant to the course.
Midterm exam (25%): There will be an in-class midterm exam consisting of 10 short answer questions and 2 longer essay questions
Film review (20%): Working in groups, you will give a 20-minute in-class presentation on a film of your choice.
Participation (20%): You must complete all required readings before class and participate in class activities, including peer review exercises and posting on the message board.
See above.
