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GEG-30015 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

GEG-30015 - Postcolonialism in South Asia
Coordinator: Lisa Lau Room: WSF29 Tel: +44 1782 7 33613
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module offers a decolonised perspective to counter the dominance of violent, invasive, and colonising knowledges. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the contemporary relevance and immediate applicability of postcolonial concepts, and how they can deploy these to deconstruct the hidden power workings at individual, national, and international levels. Through an understanding of some of the key issues within postcolonial studies, students will be able to build a framework through which they can grasp how the present structures of power (social, political etc) are build upon the past, equipping students with a tool set to decolonise their own curriculums, be adept co-creators, and deconstruct not only institutional structures, but mental ones as well.

Aims
The module will provide a conceptual grounding for students within the field of postcolonial studies, and introduce them to the leading postcolonialists and postcolonial theories. South Asia and the English language will be case studied in this module, illustrating the various types and levels of imperial workings and impacts. Decolonisation will be one of the key focal points of the module, which will incorporate decolonisation of the mind, issues of representation, cultural and racial imperialism, colonial roots of disciplines, and decolonisation of the curriculum.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/geg-30015/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a systematic understanding, based on detailed knowledge of South Asian and other relevant case studies, of structures of power, the workings of imperialisms (both past and present), and their geographical expressions in terms of landscapes, cultures and societies.: 1,2
identify and critically evaluate different theories of power structures and postcolonialism, especially in relation to how these theories explain spatial inequalities in cultural, social and political provision; and to appreciate the textual bases on which these differing theories were developed: 1,2
select and interrogate the relevant literature concerning current debates in postcolonial geographies and decolonisation
: 1,2
prepare and present in written form a reasoned argument evaluating differing and contested interpretations of knowledge constructions and postcolonialism; and to place these debates in the context of wider, on-going debates and discussions in curriculums.: 1,2

Study hours

10 x 1 hour lectures;
10 x 1 hour seminars;
35 hours essay preparation
20 hours seminar preparation
40 hours independent study
35 hours essay plan preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay-Plan weighted 60%
Essay Outline, Design, Development
This assignment tests for i) good knowledge of core theories and materials, ii) ability to construct arguments, iii) ability to design and develop an essay, and iv) judicious selection of texts to utilise and include. Choose any 3 of the following 6 titles, and write an essay plan of approximately 800 words for each. Your total word count must not exceed 2500 words. Essay plan guidance: For an 800-word essay plan, divide your word count into the following 3 headings: Introduction ¿ setting out the context and structure of essay: approximately 100 words. Background ¿ via annotated reading list of approximately 300 words. To do an annotated reading list, simply select 3-5 key readings which will help inform your essay; these books/journal articles/sources should contain key/core theory or case studies. Good selection is essential. Outline of Argument and Analysis ¿ briefly set out your planned argument, showing how you will develop the essay in approximately 400 words. No conclusion necessary! It¿s an essay plan, not an essay. Additional guidance: - Focus on the structure of your essay outline. The structure is very important in the making of convincing arguments. - Just one or two core arguments per essay plan is sufficient - State which examples or case studies you plan to include, as illustration of your argument(s). Apply theory the to `real world¿. - Organise your arguments. The ordering of your narrative should show the building up, unfolding, development of a convincing argument. - Your work should not be purely descriptive; you must show your analytical ability.

2: Essay weighted 40%
2000 word essay
A standard essay with reading list, structure, arguments, examples, conceptual framings and theoretical underpinning.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023