University College Cork

This course provides an understanding of the key concepts underlying Geographical Information Systems (GIS), how Geographical Information (GI) may be defined, measured, structured and represented in a GIS, and the development of skills in the use and application of GIS through practical exercises. The course also covers the role of GI in society; the nature and construction of GI; measurement of location; principles and techniques of spatial data modelling; field-based and object-based conceptualizations of space, and their expression as spatial data structures; and concepts of spatial and non-spatial data retrieval, manipulation and analysis. Hands-on training in GIS will be provided in the laboratory sessions.

This course explores key sustainable development challenges, including climate change, poverty, inequality and social justice. It explores the concept of sustainable development and assesses the effectiveness of a range of approaches to development. The role of government, business and civil society in addressing global challenges is considered.

This course examines the historical trajectories and contemporary interpretations of the concepts of race, ethnicity and nationhood. Through critical engagement with classical and contemporary theories of race, ethnicity and nationhood, the course examines the role that these play in the construction of social and political identities, and in the development of the modern nation-state and nationalist politics. The course also investigates the co-constitutive relationship between interpretations of race, ethnicity and nationhood, and historical and contemporary migration. Emphasis is placed on the role of migration in the constitution of the modern nation- state, the relationship between migrant and minority politics, and the manner in which contemporary migration continues to be affected by discourses of race, ethnicity and nationhood.

This course introduces the comparative study of European politics, a comparative analysis of political institutions, and political behavior in Europe. On successful completion of this course, students are able to: Analyze politics in a comparative manner; Describe the differences between the political systems in operation across Europe; Identify the role played by political parties in parliamentary democracies; Assess the necessity of political parties and the functions they fulfil; Evaluate the merits of different electoral systems; Differentiate between the workings of different political systems; Assess whether politics can be analyzed via comparative methods; Evaluate the role of non-party actors in parliamentary democracies.

This course examines politics and political science using a feminist analysis and a gendered lens. The course looks at the gendered nature of politics and examines topics including women in politics, gendered institutions, gender power, political leadership through a gendered lens and mechanisms to address the under-representation of women in political life.

This course provides an introduction to the Politics and Government of Ireland. On successful completion of this course, students should be able to: Identify features of Irish political political culture and how they shape the workings of institutional processes in Irish politics; Evaluate the workings of Irish political institutions; Critique the role of political institutions; Propose potential solutions to the problems raised or weaknesses identified; Demonstrate an understanding of the Irish party system; Analyze the role of women in Irish politics and the conditions that shape women's access into political life; and demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and engage with course materials and recommended readings.