Population, Territory and Development in the European Union

Year
0
Academic year
2021-2022
Code
01013278
Subject Area
Área Científica do Menor
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The classes follow a theoretical-practical model. In this sense, there will be a theoretical and expository component, complemented with a practical one, closely related with research, where small practical activities, exploration of some variables, indicators and statistic tools are explored. A teaching method of promoting debate of theoretical elements, problem-solving and practical development of activities and prospective analysis, centered on the students and in their skills will be adopted. 

Learning Outcomes

- To know the geographical contexts and territorial diversity of the European Union (EU).

- Analyse the main territorial and development assymetries in EU and in Europe in general.

- Identify the main risks, vulnerabilities and strategic challenges that the EU is facing in terms of its population and development.

- Understand the importance of energy security in the present and strategic future of the EU.

- Evaluate the importance of territorial conflicts which, in the EU and neighbouring geographical spaces, affect security (in a broad sense), the population and respective trajectories of development.

- Understand the dynamics and unstable relations between the EU, states and non-state actors organized in flexible networks of informality and criminality. 

- Understand persisting tensions in Europe and the EU between dynamics of inter-territorial integration and solidariety, on one side, and trends of closure and evidence of territorial selfishness on the other.     

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Population, Territory and Development: introductory contextualization of the European space

2. Assymetries and territorial cohesion in European Union. The role of networks and urban systems. Some indicators

3. European Union and risks. Main vulnerabilities of territory and population. Notions of political demography applied to the European Union.

4. European Union and energy security. A perspective from the political geography

5. Europe: geopolitical context. Instability in Europe and neighbouring territories

6. European Union of states towards transnational networks of crime and informal activities

7. Territorial conflicts and the retake of borders in the EU and the European continent. Europe of the "walls" and fragmented territories

8. Conclusion: EU, population and territory: from trends of solidarity to the new territorial selfishnesses. Main strategic challenges in a changing global context. 

Head Lecturer(s)

João Luís Jesus Fernandes

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Andrews, J. (2016). Os grandes conflitos mundiais. Clube do Autor

Baños, P. (2018). El dominio mundial. Elementos del poder y claves geopolíticas. Ariel

Friedman, G. (2014). Focos de tensão. Os choques geopolíticos que ameaçam o futuro da Europa. Dom Quixote

Giddens, A. (2007). Europe in the global age. Polity Press

Högselius, P. (2018). Energy and Geopolitics. Routledge

Lacoste, Y. (2008). A geopolítica do Mediterrâneo. Edições 70

Minshull, G. (2009). The new Europe into 21st century. Hodder&Stoughton

Raffestin, C. (1980). Pour une géographie du pouvoir. Librairies Techniques

Tinti, P., & Reitano, T. (2018). Migrant, refugee, smuggler, saviour. Hurst & Company