Re-Thinking the World (Dis) Order: (L6301A)
Re-Thinking the World (Dis) Order: Anthropological perspectives on Geopolitics and Diplomacy
Module L6301A
Module details for 2025/26.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
The module examines debates in the anthropology of geopolitics. Students will develop a systematic
understanding of different expressions of geopolitical projects across space and time, focusing on:
their spatial, cultural, political and social characteristics;
lived experiences of people in acutely affected world regions;
forms of "informal" diplomacy that enable communities to navigate world (dis)order.
We will analyse the ongoing implications of colonialism, the Cold War, and China’s ‘Belt and Road’,
critically address the geopolitics of humanitarianism and international development, and highlight the
diplomatic agency of migrants. Students will be equipped with skills relevant to careers in
international development, journalism, national and local government, and policy concerning
migrants and refugees
Module learning outcomes
demonstrate knowledge/understanding of anthropological approaches to geopolitics
analyse/evaluate/assess critically main theoretical debates in the fields of the anthropology of geo-politics and diplomacy, and to have an awareness of the history of these debates and how specific theoretical trends have developed over time.
relate theory to specific ethnographic contexts in the analysis of geopolitical processes, conflicts and projects
evaluate/compare strengths and weaknesses of anthropological theories developed and deployed to understand urban spaces and urban lives.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 100.00% |
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.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.