GEOG31080 Far-right, Hate and Political Polarisation

Academic Year 2023/2024

In the 21st century, the world has witnessed the resurgence of several political movements marked by extremism and far-right worldviews. The result is a concerning global democratic backsliding. In this context, political polarisation is becoming the norm, dividing public opinion. In this module, we analyse the multiple roots of this contemporary phenomenon and its disparate manifestations around the world today. At the theoretical level, we will explore a wide range of concepts, such as populism, polarisation, far-right, extremism, fascism, authoritarianism, and conservatism. The students will be exposed to different actors (activists, influencers, politicians) and political movements – including cases in The United States, Europe (Ireland), Brazil, India, the Philippines, etc. We look at forms of government, street protests, and online activism/harassment, particularly addressing current attacks against women, queer people, immigrants, ethnic minorities, sexual rights, vaccinations, and freedom of speech. Finally, new modes of resistance will be discussed.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, you should have:

- A solid foundational knowledge of the general concepts and debates on contemporary far-right movements

- Been exposed to different themes underlying extreme politics, especially concerning attacks against minorities

- The ability to reflect critically on the geographically uneven manifestation and effects of the phenomenon

- Enhanced your critical reading, analytical, research, and writing skills.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Project Supervision

1
Total

25
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Peer and group work; lectures; critical writing; reflective learning; debates; case-based learning; student presentations.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: A 2000-word essay on theoretical and empirical dimensions of political polarisation and/or extremism in the 21st century Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

70
Seminar: A group of 4-5 students will present in the classroom a contemporary case of far-right or extreme politics in the world today. Week 6 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Professor Julien Mercille Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn