Geography

Geographies of Money, Finance, and Debt

Module code: 012GA
Level 6
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework, Essay

On this module, you’ll explore the role of money, finance and debt in today’s global crises. These crises include inequality, democracy and environmental sustainability.

The module positions money, finance and debt as an inherently political subject, long neglected by non-economists. You’ll address how money, finance and debt have geographical dimensions, including the:

  • power and wealth of cities such as London and New York
  • contrast of these cities with the decline of other regions in the UK and US
  • influence of financial centres in the Global North
  • contrast of these financial centres with regions in the Global South.

Despite assumptions that finance is now a ‘de-territorialized’ global phenomenon, you’ll learn how the impacts of finance and debt are still spatially constituted and experienced by real people in real places.

Topics include:

  • an introduction to where money comes from and the politics of money creation
  • the drivers and impacts of rising private household debt
  • the role of global financial institutions in fossil fuel investment and climate change
  • the proliferation of cryptocurrencies and money reform movements.

Understanding contemporary financial practices and patterns is critical in challenging inequality and injustice within society. As such, this module is accessible for all students, regardless of a background in economics.

Module learning outcomes

  • Identify and define the main features of money, finance, and debt in the contemporary world.
  • Articulate the main links and relationships between money, finance, and debt and contemporary crises of inequality, democracy, and environmental sustainability.
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of the range of debates around the merits and legitimacy of the current financial and money system.
  • Apply key concepts about money, finance, and debt to empirical examples in both Global North and South.