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Igor Okunev
Political geography is a discipline concerned with the spatial dimensions of politics. This course is an introduction to the study of political science, international relations and area studies, providing a systemic approach to the spatial dimension of political processes at all levels. It covers their basic elements, including states, supranational unions, geopolitical systems, regions, borders, capitals, dependent, and internationally administered territories. Political geography develops fundamental theoretical approaches that give insight into the peculiarities of foreign and domestic policies. The ability to use spatial...
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Political geography is a discipline concerned with the spatial dimensions of politics. This course is an introduction to the study of political science, international relations and area studies, providing a systemic approach to the spatial dimension of political processes at all levels. It covers their basic elements, including states, supranational unions, geopolitical systems, regions, borders, capitals, dependent, and internationally administered territories. Political geography develops fundamental theoretical approaches that give insight into the peculiarities of foreign and domestic policies. The ability to use spatial analysis techniques allows determining patterns and regularities of political phenomena both at the global and the regional and local levels. The course is developed by MGIMO University for the broader audience interested primarily in international relations, area studies, history, political science, economics and law.
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers fundamental theoretical approaches that give insight into the peculiarities of foreign and domestic policies
Taught by Igor Okunev, who is an instructor at MGIMO University
Developed by MGIMO University, which is recognized for its work in international relations
Provides a systemic approach to the spatial dimension of political processes at all levels
Covers basic elements of political geography, including states, supranational unions, geopolitical systems, regions, borders, capitals, dependent, and internationally administered territories
Emphasizes the use of spatial analysis techniques to determine patterns and regularities of political phenomena

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Reviews summary

Informative course in political geography

Political Geography is an introductory course concerned with the spatial dimensions of politics. It is noted for being informative and insightful and is appropriate for a variety of students. It covers the basic elements of political geography including states, borders, capitals, and territories. The course develops theoretical approaches that give insight into foreign and domestic policies. It also covers techniques to determine patterns and regularities of political phenomena at the global, regional, and local levels. The course is considered well-organized and full of interesting information.
The course is appropriate for a variety of students.
"From using and learning level, Dr.okunev igor has designed this course very carefully. A person according to his/her level and aim, can take the course."
The course is well-organized and full of interesting information.
"E​xcellent course! Highly recommended. Well-organised and full of interesting information."
The course is informative and insightful.
"very informative"
"Insightful and informative."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Political Geography with these activities:
Review International Relations glossary
Reviewing the glossary will allow a better understanding of all the concepts that are used in International Relations.
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Show steps
  • Read through the glossary
Organize Course Materials
Ensures that you have all the necessary materials and organizes them for easy access.
Show steps
  • Download and print the course syllabus
  • Gather any required textbooks or readings
  • Create a folder or binder to store all course materials
Introduction to Political Geography
Provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and theories in political geography.
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters
  • Take notes on the key concepts and examples presented
Six other activities
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Create a Political Geography Glossary
Reinforces understanding of key terms and concepts by creating a personalized glossary.
Browse courses on Political Geography
Show steps
  • Identify and define key terms in political geography
  • Write clear and concise definitions for each term
  • Organize the terms into a logical structure, such as alphabetical or thematic
Review Political Geography: A Reader
Provides an overview of the field of political geography and introduces key concepts and theories.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first two chapters
  • Summarize the main arguments and concepts presented in each chapter
Form a Study Group
Encourages collaboration, discussion, and deeper understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Find a few other students who are taking the course
  • Schedule regular study sessions
  • Work together to review the material, discuss concepts, and prepare for assessments
Analyze Political Maps
Develops skills in analyzing political maps and identifying spatial patterns.
Show steps
  • Examine a variety of political maps, focusing on different regions and scales
  • Identify and interpret key features, such as borders, capitals, and geopolitical regions
  • Draw conclusions about the political and geographical relationships between different countries and regions
Case Study: Analyze a Political Issue
Applies political geography concepts to a real-world issue, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Show steps
  • Select a political issue that interests you
  • Research the issue, gathering data from multiple sources
  • Analyze the spatial dimensions of the issue, considering factors such as geography, demographics, and political boundaries
  • Draw conclusions and make recommendations based on your analysis
Attend a Political Geography Conference
Provides opportunities to learn from experts, engage with other students, and gain new perspectives.
Browse courses on Political Geography
Show steps
  • Find a political geography conference that aligns with your interests
  • Register and attend the conference
  • Attend sessions and take notes on the presentations

Career center

Learners who complete Political Geography will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Political Scientist
Political Scientists are social scientists who study political theory and practice, including the structure and operation of governments, the behavior of political actors, and the interactions between different political systems. This course, Political Geography, provides a strong foundation for Political Scientists by introducing them to the spatial dimensions of politics. By studying the course, students will gain insights into how physical and human geography can influence political processes, both domestically and internationally. This knowledge will be invaluable for Political Scientists who want to understand the complex world of politics and make informed decisions about public policy.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad, working to promote American interests and values. They may serve in a variety of roles, including diplomats, consuls, and commercial officers. This course, Political Geography, is highly relevant to a career as a Foreign Service Officer, as it provides a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complex world of international relations and effectively represent the United States abroad.
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret information to provide insights into national security threats and opportunities. They may work for a variety of government agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and NSA. This course, Political Geography, can be helpful for Intelligence Analysts by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to analyze intelligence information and make informed recommendations about national security policy.
Policy Advisor
Policy Advisors provide advice to government officials on a wide range of issues, including domestic and foreign policy. They may work for a variety of government agencies, including the White House, Congress, and State Department. This course, Political Geography, can be helpful for Policy Advisors by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to analyze policy issues and make informed recommendations to government officials.
Journalist
Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. This course, Political Geography, can be helpful for Journalists by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to report on international affairs and provide informed commentary on current events.
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. They may specialize in a variety of areas of law, including international law, human rights law, and environmental law. This course, Political Geography, can be helpful for Lawyers by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to advise clients on international legal issues and represent them in international courts.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations, which provide a variety of services to communities around the world. They may work for organizations that focus on international development, human rights, or environmental protection. This course, Political Geography, can be helpful for Nonprofit Managers by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to manage nonprofit organizations effectively and make a positive impact on the world.
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels, from elementary school to university. They may specialize in a variety of subjects, including history, geography, and political science. This course, Political Geography, can be helpful for Teachers by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to teach students about international relations and global affairs.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses to identify and solve problems. They may work for a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. This course, Political Geography, may be helpful for Business Analysts by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to analyze business problems and make informed recommendations for solutions.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including strategy, marketing, and operations. They may work for a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. This course, Political Geography, may be helpful for Consultants by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to advise clients on international business issues and help them to succeed in the global marketplace.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may work for a variety of government agencies, businesses, and research institutions. This course, Political Geography, may be helpful for Economists by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to analyze economic data and make informed recommendations about economic policy.
Geographer
Geographers study the physical and human geography of the Earth. They may work for a variety of government agencies, businesses, and research institutions. This course, Political Geography, is highly relevant to a career as a Geographer, as it provides a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to analyze geographic data and make informed recommendations about land use and environmental policy.
Historian
Historians study the past in order to understand the present. They may work for a variety of government agencies, businesses, and research institutions. This course, Political Geography, may be helpful for Historians by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to analyze historical data and make informed recommendations about public policy.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the behavior, beliefs, and languages of humans. They may work for a variety of government agencies, businesses, and research institutions. This course, Political Geography, may be helpful for Anthropologists by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to analyze anthropological data and make informed recommendations about cultural policy.
Sociologist
Sociologists study the behavior, beliefs, and relationships of people in society. They may work for a variety of government agencies, businesses, and research institutions. This course, Political Geography, may be helpful for Sociologists by providing them with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different regions of the world. By studying the course, students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to analyze sociological data and make informed recommendations about social policy.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Political Geography.
One of the most widely used textbooks in international relations. It is clearly written and provides a comprehensive overview of the field, making it a useful resource for students of political geography.
A widely used textbook in political science. It provides a clear and concise introduction to the key concepts and theories of politics, making it a useful resource for students of political geography.
An accessible and engaging introduction to the relationship between international relations and political geography.
Provides a critical perspective on the development of the Third World, challenging traditional Western narratives.
A leading textbook in international relations theory. It provides a comprehensive overview of the major theories in the field, making it a valuable resource for students of political geography.

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