Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

Students taking this module require a sound background in Economic Geography.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

•       To introduce students to different conceptions of money
•       To provide students with an understanding of a broad range of issues examined in contemporary economic geographies of money, including geographies of power, regulatory geographies, geographies of financial inclusion and exclusion and diverse geographies of money.
•       To build on concepts introduced at Stage 2 in economic, political and social geography.

Outline Of Syllabus

Part I Money in Economic Geography

Module introduction/the nature of money
Money in Economic Geography I
Money in Economic Geography II
Discourses of money/money & identity

PART II MONEY, SPACE AND POWER

Geographies of Governmentality : the Bretton Woods institutions
Geographies of money: regions, households and production systems
Financialised capitalism

Film: Inside Job

PART III DIVERSE FINANCIAL IMAGINARIES

Mutualism: de-mututalisation and the case of Northern Rock
Islamic Finance
Micro-credit
Module overview/summary

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:
•       Understand the meanings of money and different approaches to its study
•       Understand theoretical debates regarding the nature, history and geographies of money in advanced capitalist societies;
•       Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different financial centres, institutions and agents and their geographic constitution and expression
•       Understand the complex relationships between money and production, circulation and consumption as they affects firms, households, regions and nations
•       Understand different theories concerning the relationship between money and power.

Intended Skill Outcomes

•       Proven comprehension of the processes through which the financial system is geographically constituted and expressed
•       Ability to engage critically with case study and other empirical material concerned with money
•       Ability to present clear and reasoned arguments concerning abstract, theoretical debates concerning money
•       Ability to set a topic in its wider context and produce a written essay that demonstrates understanding and ability to synthesis and cite sources in a systematic manner.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures introduce, develop and illustrate theories and empirical material relating to different geographies of money

Seminars provide an opportunity for more interactive, student-led discussion, analysis and presentation of case study material

Specialist films and associated seminars provide illustrations of case studies on financialisation, economic change and cultures of money.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The unseen exam will test students understanding of the basic concepts outlined in the module, and abilities to engage with the relevant academic literature. The 2000 word essay tests students' ability to explore subjects in depth, demanding critical reading and writing skills and an ability to gather and synthesise material and to formulate a rigorous argument.

General Notes

N/A