Economic Geography: Economic Geography of Europe

The course is offered as a freestanding course.

Completed courses of at least 30 credits in Social Sciences.

The course aims at providing a broad description and analysis of the economic-geographic and geopolitical preconditions in contemporary Europe, at the supranational, national and regional level. Focus will be on the member states of the European Union (EU), members of the EEA/EES and EFTA, as well as candidates to the EU and its regions. The institutional and economic structure of the EU will be described, particularly the process of creating the European Single Market, including e.g. the reduction of physical, technical, fiscal and mental barriers between the member states. EU policies will be discussed, with focus on structural policies that aim to remove economic, social and territorial disparities across Europe. Key concepts in economic geography will be introduced and discussed throughout the course.

After successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. explain the EU’s structure, including the Single Market and its competition, competitiveness, and cohesion policies,
2. critically reflect on EU initiatives aimed at reducing economic and social disparities across Europe,
3. utilize key concepts in economic geography to analyze patterns of economic development across Europe.

Lectures.

Language of instruction: English

Assessment takes place through one written exam to assess all three learning outcomes.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E) and Fail (F).
To pass the course, a student must receive a passing grade on all intended learning outcomes. This means a passing grade on the written exam (A-E). The course grade (A-F) is based on the written exam.

Grade (Definition) Characteristic:
A (Excellent) A distinguished result that is excellent with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

B (Very good) A very good result with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

C (Good) The result is of a good standard with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought and lives up to expectations.

D (Satisfactory) The result is of a satisfactory standard with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

E (Sufficient) The result satisfies the minimum requirements with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought, but not more.

F (Fail) The result does not meet the minimum requirements with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

Some occasional examination elements of the course may have the grading scale UG
(Fail/Pass).

Course evaluation is anonymous and is issued either via the learning platform or via a written questionnaire at the last timetabled lesson or at the examination.
The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who are starting the course.