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GEOG31080

Academic Year 2026/2027

Far-right, Hate and Political Polarisation (GEOG31080)

Subject:
Geography
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Geography
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Rosana Pinheiro-Machado
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

End poverty in all its forms everywhere 1

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 3

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all 3

Reduce inequality within and among countries 4

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 4
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

75
Lectures

24
Project Supervision

1
Total

100

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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): in-class assignment Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes
30
 Yes
Exam (In-person): Students are required to answer questions related to the content discussed in the classes and the mandatory readings of each week. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes
70
 Yes

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn 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.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
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