This module examines important contemporary concepts, debates and issues in economic geography. It builds on concepts introduced in the second year module on ‘Spaces of Production’ and provides a strong foundation for understanding the relevance of economic geography research. The module critically examines the rise of recent approaches, such as evolutionary economic geography and global production networks.  While important issues that are examined include the role of innovation, networks and institutions in contemporary economies.  The module connects students to the economic geography research in the School of Planning and Geography and draws upon a range of examples and case studies to understand contemporary issues in the global economy.

• Understand the important contemporary concepts, debates and issues in economic geography.
• Define key economic geography concepts and understand their relevance in contemporary debates.
• Critically evaluate the use of economic geography concepts and approaches in understanding contemporary research questions and policy debates.

Subject-related:

• Use theoretical propositions to guide the collection of case study material and data relating to the geography of economic activity
• Use case study material and data to explore, illustrate and test theoretical propositions.
• Read and understand intermediate level economic and geographical arguments about economic geography and explain them to others.
• Lead small group discussions, using theoretical ideas, policy issues and interpreting evidence.

Transferable:

• handle conceptual and factual material through both oral and written forms;

• write clearly and competently, and to make reflective comments upon topics learned;
• use library, internet  and a virtual learning environment (Learning Central) effectively to extend the insights given in lectures;
• participate in small group discussions and debate relevant theoretical, empirical and policy issues.

Values/attitudes:             

• Develop reasoned arguments, both orally and in written form, and demonstrate the ability to critically assess and evaluate evidence and claims;
• Develop skills in planning, organising and prioritising work activities and manage time effectively
• understand how different viewpoints and ideologies can influence both theoretical and empirical analyses of the geography of economic activity;
• To be able to communicate by means of well prepared, clear, concise and well written documents;
• Have the ability to work independently with initiative and solve problems.

The module will be assessed by an essay (4,000 words).

Type of assessment

%

Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

Essay

100%

Assignment briefs to be provided

4,000 words

Autumn

The potential for reassessment in this module

Students are permitted to be reassessed (usually once) in a module which they have failed, in line with course regulations. The reassessment will usually take place during the summer

1. The ‘cultural’ and ‘relational’ turn
2. Evolutionary economic geography
3. Global production networks
4. The formation and evolution of networks
5. The role of intangibles in economic development
6. Institutions in economic development
7. Innovation and smart specialisation
8. Cultural entrepreneurship
9. Urban economic geographies
10. Regions and economic globalisation

Mackinnon, D. and Cumbers, A. (2011) An Introduction to Economic Geography: Globalization, Uneven Development and Place, Second Edition; Prentice Hall: London.

The following books represent important general texts which may be useful for the whole course:

Boschma, R. and Martin, R. (2012) The Handbook of Evolutionary Economic Geography, Edward Elgar.

Clark, G., Feldman, M. and Gertler, M.S. (eds) (2000) A Handbook of Economic Geography. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Coe, N., Kelly, P. and Wai-chung Yeung, H. (2007) Economic Geography: A Contemporary Introduction, Blackwell: Oxford.

Cooke, P. (2013) Reframing Regional Development. Routledge.

Dicken, P. (2010) Global Shift: Mapping the Changing Contours of the World Economy. Sixth Edition, Sage: London.

Huggins, R., Izushi, H., Prokop, D. and Thompson, P. (2014) The Global Competitiveness of Regions, London: Routledge.

Pike, A., Rodriguez-Pose, A. and Tomaney, J. (eds) (2010) The Handbook of Local and Regional Development. Routledge

Storper, M (1997) The Regional World: Territorial Development in a Global Economy. Guilford

Other readings and resources will be given on a week by week basis. These will be provided via Learning Central.