Geographical Zoom on a Region: Structures, Processes, Transformations 1600-SZD-SPEC-GZ-GSE
The course focuses on the region as a key analytical category in the social sciences, with particular emphasis on the perspective of socio-economic geography. The region is analysed as a complex system of structures, processes and actors, historically shaped and subject to contemporary socio-economic, spatial and cultural transformations.
The classes adopt a multidimensional approach to the region – historical, geographical, social and tourism-related – with particular emphasis on current development challenges (demography, peripheralisation, tourism pressure, functional changes). An important component of the course is work on selected regional case studies, aimed at in-depth analysis of processes and interregional comparisons.
Key course topics include:
- The region as an analytical category in the social sciences
- Historical and geographical determinants of regional structures
- Socio-economic processes and regional transformations
- The social and tourism dimension of regions
- Contemporary challenges and regional case studies
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge | The graduate knows and understands:
WG_01 - to the extent necessary for existing paradigms to be revised - a worldwide body of work, covering theoretical foundations as well as general and selected specific issues - relevant to a particular discipline
within the social sciences
WG_02 - the main development trends in the disciplines of the social sciences in which the education is provided
WG_03 - scientific research methodology in the field of the social sciences
WK_01 - fundamental dilemmas of modern civilisation from the perspective of the social sciences
Skills | The graduate is able to:
UK_05 - speaking a foreign language at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages using the professional terminology specific to the discipline within the social sciences, to the extent enabling participation in an international scientific and professional environment
Social competences | The graduate is ready to
KO_01 - fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators
KO_02 - fulfilling social obligations and taking actions in the public interest, in particular in initiating actions in the public interest
KO_03 - think and acting in an entrepreneurial manner
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the permitted number of explained absences:
The course consists of five teaching sessions. Active participation is required to pass the course; one absence is permitted without justification.
The basis for passing the course is the preparation and presentation, during the final class, of a presentation presenting the results of the completed project, in accordance with the course objectives.
Participants are expected to actively engage in the classes, particularly by:
- participating in discussions,
- analysing and discussing presented case studies,
- cooperating within project-based activities.
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session):
The subject is graded on a pass (ZAL) basis.
A positive grade is awarded on the basis of successful completion of a project consistent with the course profile, combining theoretical content discussed during classes with analysis of selected case studies and/or the participant’s disciplinary background.
The project culminates in an oral presentation delivered during the final class, with a minimum duration of 15 minutes.
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes: In-class assessment, with the possibility of individual meetings in institutions outside the University of Warsaw.
Evaluation criteria:
- compliance of presented content with the substantive framework of the course,
- relevance and appropriate use of theoretical content,
- accuracy and logical coherence of case study analysis,
- substantive quality of conclusions,
- quality of presentation (clarity, structure, argumentation skills and time management).
Bibliography
Materials prepared by the lecturer, including ongoing access to scientific publications, reports and analytical studies.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: