Contemporary Critical Geographies

Module code: GY7715

This module explores the critical human geography tradition and allows students to reflect on how their interests fit in relation to it. The module asks: how can human geographers go beyond describing the world, but critically examine the causes of contemporary challenges, critique the ways these problems are framed, and think critically about possible solutions to them. The module begins with an overview of the emergence of critical human geography. It is then team taught, with different members of staff leading the discussions each week to explore key thinkers and texts that have inspired their personal approach to research. Taken together, these sessions present the diversity of different critical approaches in human geography, and provides a flavour of the breadth of critical research undertaken at Leicester. Students are encouraged to explore how they can utilize critical human geography to understand and shape environmental futures.

Topics covered

• Decolonizing geography
• Living multicultures
• Resilience and environmental change
• Critical urban theory
• Diverse economies
• Topo/graphy – writing place