Economic Geography
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide students with a general overview of the basic concepts of Economic Geography (globalization, economic development, and growth, how power controls resources, borders, and territories, border effects, the resurgence of protectionism and economic consequences of the political use of territory and space, fight against poverty, why some counties remain poor, and sustainable development). Taking into account both the historical evolution and the general principles of economic and political theory and their approaches, studied in a critical key, the course explains how the interrelationships between the variable economic structures and forms of political organization have shaped the geographies of human societies and vice versa. It also aspires to provide adequate skills to read the interactions between geography, economics, and politics, with the aim to decipher the complexity of the contemporary world and develop, within the limits of the social sciences, embryonic predictive abilities.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, the student will have acquired the basic knowledge to understand the fundamental concepts of Economic Geography and the utility of this subject in analysing economic factors of (sustainable) development and underdevelopment, economic growth, and key economic issues depending on geographical factors in the context of globalization. Ability to understand, critically analyse and explain - applying the theoretical tools and knowledge acquired - the most relevant global phenomena readable through the lens of Economic Geography and especially to identify different policy options for overcoming poverty, wrong political decisions, and political factors involved in underdevelopment.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The First Teaching Unit (Workshop on "Global economy: an introduction") is dedicated to the basic concepts of Economics, and the evolution of the global economy in the contemporary world. It will address the problems of economic development and sustainable development in correlation with general economic theory. It will also address the problems of inequality between continents, development lags, and sustainability issues.
The Second Teaching Unit (Economic Geography) will explore the fundamentals of the scientific discipline dedicated to the economic dimension of world geography. It will deal first of all with contemporary globalization, its significance, and its limits, explaining its manifestations and consequences for the contemporary reality of the planet. It will then deal with the problem of economic development and economic growth, exploring geographical factors that influence economic development, human capital and political factors that hinder development. Finally, it will explore the relationship between international trade and economic development and the role of borders, boundaries and the resurgence of protectionism. The problem of sustainability will be considered through the lens of spatial and geographic dimensions.
The Third Teaching Unit (Workshop on "Ukrainian economic development: a case study") will address the very emblematic case study of Ukraine as an example of a lack of economic development, examining the historical and economic reasons for the serious political and economic stagnation that still afflicts a country (of the so-called "Second World") that possesses an extraordinary potential (especially in agriculture, thanks to its fertile "Black Lands"), in the European continent. The theme will be studied both from a comparative point of view, taking into consideration the historical-political and economic evolution of the neighboring countries, and analyzing the political and economic factors that have prevented its development. Moreover, the analysis of the future potential allows taking a look at the problems of sustainability, which are also relevant for the countries and regions of the Global South.
The Second Teaching Unit (Economic Geography) will explore the fundamentals of the scientific discipline dedicated to the economic dimension of world geography. It will deal first of all with contemporary globalization, its significance, and its limits, explaining its manifestations and consequences for the contemporary reality of the planet. It will then deal with the problem of economic development and economic growth, exploring geographical factors that influence economic development, human capital and political factors that hinder development. Finally, it will explore the relationship between international trade and economic development and the role of borders, boundaries and the resurgence of protectionism. The problem of sustainability will be considered through the lens of spatial and geographic dimensions.
The Third Teaching Unit (Workshop on "Ukrainian economic development: a case study") will address the very emblematic case study of Ukraine as an example of a lack of economic development, examining the historical and economic reasons for the serious political and economic stagnation that still afflicts a country (of the so-called "Second World") that possesses an extraordinary potential (especially in agriculture, thanks to its fertile "Black Lands"), in the European continent. The theme will be studied both from a comparative point of view, taking into consideration the historical-political and economic evolution of the neighboring countries, and analyzing the political and economic factors that have prevented its development. Moreover, the analysis of the future potential allows taking a look at the problems of sustainability, which are also relevant for the countries and regions of the Global South.
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites to attending the Course are a good knowledge of World Geography, Economics (general principles), Modern and Contemporary History, Economic History.
Teaching methods
The course includes face-to-face teaching lessons but also constant interaction with the students attending. It will involve lectures, the participation of foreign and Italian experts, class discussions, group work. All students are strongly encouraged to actively participate during class discussions and activities
Teaching Resources
The reference material of the Course is indicated entirely on the Ariel platform, on which are available both the articles indicated to the students as reading (compulsory and recommended) which must be done before each lesson, and the books necessary to face the final exam. Further material will be indicated during the three teaching units that will compose the Course.
One of the most important reference books, which must be read in the parts indicated in the Syllabus for every single lesson, is:
MICHAEL P. TODARO, SMITH S. C., Economic Development, Addison-Wesley/Pearson, eleventh edition.
Since attendance of the course is compulsory, there is no program for non-attending students.
One of the most important reference books, which must be read in the parts indicated in the Syllabus for every single lesson, is:
MICHAEL P. TODARO, SMITH S. C., Economic Development, Addison-Wesley/Pearson, eleventh edition.
Since attendance of the course is compulsory, there is no program for non-attending students.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination will take place in the scheduled sessions. Students are expected to prepare in advance for each lesson, studying the material indicated in the Syllabus (on Ariel platform). They will have the opportunity (during the second Teaching Unit, Economic Geography, and only for a limited number) to voluntarily prepare an oral presentation (individually or in a group, after submitting topics for approval) and to present it in the classroom (using PowerPoint). Students will be graded on their ability to examine their specific topic, draw logical conclusions and on their ability to engage in reflexive and independent thinking. Instead of a presentation in class, each student is required (within the First Teaching Unit - Workshop on "Global economy: an introduction" or/and the second Module) to write a research essay of no more than 3000 words (approximately 12 double-spaced pages, plus references) on designated topics related to the course material. Detailed instructions will be provided in class. There will be also the possibility to conclude the course with a written exam (at the end of the Second and the Third Teaching Unit - Workshop on "Ukrainian economic development: a case study" (in which questions to the student are given in written form) during the regular sessions. The student has to answer the questions in such a way to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the subject to pass the exam
Economic geography
M-GGR/02 - ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 21 hours
Professor:
Vitale Alessandro
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Vitale Alessandro
Workshop on "Global economy: an introduction"
M-GGR/02 - ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 21 hours
Professor:
Ranchetti Fabio
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Ranchetti Fabio
Workshop on "Ukrainian economic development: a case study"
M-GGR/02 - ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 21 hours
Professor:
Magni Stefano
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Magni StefanoProfessor(s)
Reception:
Monday 15.30-18.30
office n. 12, Department of International Studies Conservatorio street, 7