Module details for 2010/11.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 6

Module Outline

The course deals with the empirical and theoretical literature on
the comparative performance of regional and urban economies. More
specifically it deals with the literature on whether regional economies
and societies converge or diverge, with the changing spatial division
of labour in Europe and its neighbours, with the nature and impact of
EU programmes, and with more detailed studies of the impact of
regeneration and economic development programmes in particular
countries/localities. You examine the relations between the map of
inequality and the underlying dynamics of the productive system, the
labour market and public policy. You learn about some key research
traditions in geography and European studies, and are introduced to
work in areas such as the 'new economic geography', which has arisen
out of the renewed interest of economists in geographical issues and of
geographers in economic change. Attention is paid to the role of
institutional and cultural factors in shaping the development paths of
different parts of Europe. Spatial policies are situated in the wider
context of the widening and deepening of the EU and the transformation
of eastern and central Europe, making you aware of the relation between
geography and other disciplines in the shaping of public policy.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, a successful student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an overview of the main economic and political characteristics of cities, rural areas and regions of Europe (and in particular of the European Union and its neighbours)
2. Show a knowledge of regional and social developmental tendencies and of some of the main trends in the geography of industrial activities
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of the main processes which shape the structure and transformation of the map of spatial inequality in Europe and an appreciation of the role of the context in which development occurs
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the main economic geographical theories (neoclassical convergence theories, Myrdalian and Kaldorian cumulative causation models, models of endogenous growth, new economic geography models) and political/economic theories of governance used to interpret regional development trajectories as well as a knowledge of the literature on industrial change and its relation to regional performance
5. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and establish relationships between theoretical and empirical knowledge (as well as an ability to interpret quantitative research)
6. Demonstrate a knowledge of nature and impact of government policies on the map of European regional development (an in particular of European cohesion policies) and industrial change.

Generic Outcomes
1 Skills of critical analysis and exposition in writing and in individual and group presentations
2 Skills of analysis and synthesis of both primary sources and secondary sources

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Mick Dunford

Convenor
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/774