Introduction

In this course, we will introduce the students to a geographic perspective to aid in understanding the dynamics of contemporary global geopolitics, including issues related to global power struggles, persistent nationalist conflicts, border dynamics, global military actions, terrorism, peace movements, resource conflicts, and the politics of climate change. The main objectives for this course are for the students to become familiar with socio-economic, political, and environmental processes in contemporary political issues; to be able to use key social science and geographic concepts to analyze the processes which shape and reshape these issues, and to think critically about contemporary political issues and explore your role within them.

Course Prerequisites: None

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course:

1. Students will have a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, theories, methods, principles and models of geographic thought appropriate for analyzing politics and political relations.
2. They will be able to use geography in order to gain an understanding of global political actions, related military, ethnic, or religious conflicts, cultural practices, economic relationships, and resource use decisions with interregional or international implications.

Assessment Criteria:

1. Attendance and Class Participation: 10 % (75% of attendance would be mandatory to take the final term exams.)
2. Presentation and Assignments: 8%
3. Quiz: 2%
4. Mid Term Examination: 30%
5. Final Term Examination: 50%

Class Days and Timings: 

• Wednesday (11:00 - 12:30)
• Thursday     (11:00 - 12:30)

Recommended Textbook:

1. Saul Bernard Cohen, Geopolitics: The Geography of International Relations, 3rd Ed., Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015.