Dr Angharad Closs Stephens

Dr Angharad Closs Stephens
Senior Lecturer
Geography
Telephone: (01792) 606287
Room: Academic Office - 207
Second Floor
Wallace Building
Singleton Campus
Welsh Speaker

I am a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at Swansea University and before moving here in January 2016, I was Senior Lecturer (2015-16) and Lecturer (2007-2015) in the Geography Department at Durham University. I specialise in Political and Cultural Geographies. I have a PhD (2008) and MRes (2003, Distinction) in International Relations from Keele University, a Masters Degree in Gender Studies from the London School of Economics (2002, Distinction) and BSc in Political Studies from Aberystwyth University (2001, First Class Honours). I am the author of The Persistence of Nationalism: from imagined communities to urban encounters (Routledge, 2013), the co-editor of Terrorism and the Politics of Response, and I have published articles in leading journals including Cultural Geographies, International Political Sociology, Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, Citizenship Studies and Alternatives: Global, Local, Political. I have presented my work across the UK and Europe as well as in the US, Kenya and Japan. I am Assistant Editor for the journal, Citizenship Studies. 

Areas of Expertise

  • Nationality and Nationalism
  • Affect and atmosphere
  • Political geographies
  • Cultural geographies
  • Politics of security identity and terror

Publications

  1. Sounding Europe: Nationality and the affects of language. In Tales of Sonic Displacement: A Sound-based Artist Residency Network. (pp. 193-198). Edicoes Nodar, Q-02, DISK Berlin, Hai Art, Binaural/Nodar & CCA Ujazdowski Castle.
  2. & (2017). Atmospheric memories: Affect and minor politics at the ten-year anniversary of the London bombings. Emotion, Space and Society 23, 44-51.
  3. (2016). 'Daearyddiaethau Dychmygedig'. (Porth: Esboniadur).
    https://wici.porth.ac.uk/index.php/Daearyddiaethau_Dychmygedig
  4. (2016). National Atmospheres and the 'Brexit' Revolt. (Society and Space Open Site).
  5. (2016). The affective atmospheres of nationalism. Cultural Geographies 23, 181-198.

See more...

Teaching

  • GEC251 Daearyddiaeth Wleidyddol

    Sut awn ni ati i feddwl am y byd gwleidyddol? Pa wahaniaeth mae Daearyddiaeth yn ei wneud i¿r modd ry¿n ni¿n meddwl am wleidyddiaeth? Bydd y modiwl hwn yn ymdrin â¿r cwestiynau yma drwy ddadleuon beirniadol a chyfredol yn naearyddiaeth gwleidyddol ynghyd â meysydd tebyg. Bydd y modiwl yn cychwyn trwy edrych ar sut y death y system genedl-wladwriaethol fodern i rym law yn llaw gyda chyfalafiaeth yn Ewrop, ynghyd â chyffyrddiadau trefediaethol. Byddwn yn astudio¿r modd y mae¿r system wleidyddol hon yn parhau i dra-arglwyddiaethu tra¿n ymhel hefyd â ffyrdd gwahanol o feddwl am ddinasyddiaeth, gofod a gwleidyddiaeth. Mae¿n amser cyffrousiI fod yn astudio gwleidyddiaeth gan fod cymaint o esiamplau o straen ar y system wladwriaethol; mae daearyddwyr mewn sefyllfa dda i archwilio¿r tensiynau hynny. Bydd y cwrs yn cyflwyno myfyrwyr i ffyrdd cadarn o feddwl am y byd gwleiddydol ynghyd ag i ystyried ffyrdd gwahanol o feddwl am fydoedd eraill posib. How do we begin to think about the political world? What difference does Geography make to our understandings of politics? This module will address these questions by engaging with critical and cutting-edge debates in Political Geography as well as related fields. The module will begin by analysing the modern way of understanding world politics as based on a system of sovereign states, which was established alongside the rise of capitalism in Europe and its colonial encounter with the rest of the world. We will explore the dominance of this way of imagining the political world whilst also examining various attempts at thinking space, politics and citizenship differently. This is an exciting time to be studying politics as there are so many examples from the world around us of the strain on the principle of state sovereignty and geographers are especially well placed to explore these tensions and limit points. This course will help guide students to develop a robust understanding of the political world we have inherited and to uncover ways of thinking about other possible worlds.

  • GEC263B Cynnal Ymchwil Gymdeithasol : Prosiect

    This module builds upon student knowledge of social research methods (delivered in GEG263A) through the formulation of a research project. The project-based module develops the student's understanding and experience of the research process, from formulating a research question, identifying appropriate aims and objectives, devising a research design and selecting suitable data collection methods. Data is collected through group work and is aggregated into a shared dataset for individual analysis by each student, including statistical and qualitative analytical techniques. This culminates in a written report on the process, results and conclusions of the research. Contact time includes preparatory lectures, mentored group work and help/advice sessions.

  • GEG251 Political Geographies

    How do we begin to think about the political world? What difference does Geography make to our understandings of politics? This module will address these questions by engaging with critical and cutting-edge debates in Political Geography as well as related fields. The module will begin by analysing the modern way of understanding world politics as based on a system of sovereign states, which was established alongside the rise of capitalism in Europe and its colonial encounter with the rest of the world. We will explore the dominance of this way of imagining the political world whilst also examining various attempts at thinking space, politics and citizenship differently. This is an exciting time to be studying politics as there are so many examples from the world around us of the strain on the principle of state sovereignty and geographers are especially well placed to explore these tensions and limit points. This course will help guide students to develop a robust understanding of the political world we have inherited and to uncover ways of thinking about other possible worlds.

  • GEG252B Geographical Fieldwork skills: Berlin

    The module is concerned with identifying and defining geographical questions in Berlin and applying the relevant geographical skills, knowledge and techniques to these questions. The general aims are to observe, analyse and achieve an understanding of the varied geographies and landscapes of the city. The emphasis is on the cultural, political, urban and economic geographies of Berlin, focussing on landscapes of power and memory, counter-culture and gentrification, and the economic transformation of post-Socialist Berlin. The module comprises preparatory lectures and small-group preparation work in Swansea, and a week's fieldwork in Berlin. Assessment is entirely through coursework.

  • GEG263A Conducting Social Research - Methods

    The module covers research project design and data collection methods. Students are introduced to the availability of different data sources and to the predominant research methods in human geography and the social sciences, including questionnaire surveys, secondary data sources, focus groups, interviews, participant observation and ethnography, and visual and textual methodologies.

  • GEG263B Conducting Social Research - Project

    This module builds upon student knowledge of social research methods (delivered in GEG263A) through the formulation of a research project. The project-based module develops students' understanding and experience of the research process, from formulating a research question, identifying appropriate aims and objectives, devising a research design and selecting suitable data collection methods. Data is collected through group work and will include both quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques. This culminates in a written report on the process, results and conclusions of the research. Contact time includes preparatory lectures, mentored group work and help/advice sessions.

  • GEG268 Dissertation Preparation

    The module prepares students for their independent research dissertation through dissertation fairs, lectures and a series of tutorials focusing upon the formulation and construction of a research proposal. The module also includes three lectures which explore career opportunities for Geography graduates and skills to enhance graduate employability.

  • GEG331 Dissertation Report: Geography

    The dissertation is an original, substantive and independent research project in an aspect of Geography. It is typically based on approximately 20 - 25 days of primary research and several weeks of analysis and write-up. The end result must be less than 10,000 words of text. The dissertation offers you the chance to follow your personal interests and to demonstrate your capabilities as a Geographer. During the course of your dissertation you will be supported by a student-led discussion group and a staff supervisor, and you will also provide constructive criticism to fellow students undertaking related research projects, learning from their research problems and subsequent solutions. This support and supervision is delivered through the 'Dissertation Support' module, which is a co-requisite.

  • GEG332 Dissertation Support: Geography

    This module provides structured, student-led peer-group support and academic staff group supervision for students undertaking the 30-credit 'Dissertation Report: Geography' module. This support and supervision is assessed through the submission of a PowerPoint Poster in TB1 and the submission in TB2 of an individually composed, critical and reflective log of the 5 dissertation peer-group meetings and the 4 group supervisory meetings (with a verified record of attendance at meetings). Working within a supervised Student Peer Group, you will also have the opportunity to provide constructive criticism to fellow students undertaking related research projects, learning from their research problems and subsequent solutions. This module complements the 'Dissertation Report: Geography' module, which is a co-requisite.

  • GEG333 Geographical Research Frontiers

    This module provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their competence as a Geographer by undertaking a critical analysis of a wide variety of literature-based sources in order to develop a cogent, substantial, and persuasive argument. While the Dissertation in Geography normally focuses on the design and execution of an evidenced-based research project that assesses the capacity of students to undertake effective data analysis and interpretation, the purpose of this module is to assess the extent to which students are capable of engaging with the academic literature at the frontier of a particular part of Geography. Students select from a wide range of research frontiers in Human and Physical Geography that have been identified by the academic staff within the Department. Given that this module emphasizes student-centred learning, none of the frontiers will have been covered in other modules, although in many cases modules will have taken students up to some of these frontiers. However, to orientate students and provide them with suitable points of departure and way-stations, there will be a brief introduction to each frontier and a short list of pivotal references disseminated via Blackboard. (Note: The topic selected by you must not overlap with the subject of your Dissertation. If there is any doubt about potential overlap, this must be discussed with your Dissertation Support Group supervisor and agreed in writing.)

  • GEGM16 Advanced Research in Human Geography

    This module explores the ways in which contemporary theoretical, epistemological and methodological debates in the social sciences inform research in Human Geography and aims to develop students' understandings of the distinctive contribution of Geographical knowledge to these debates. Students engage with the Human Geography research community and enhance their ability to reflect critically on their own research practice. The module comprises a series of reading-group meetings plus an intensive residential Theory School run in collaboration with the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University and the School of City and Regional Planning, Cardiff University, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Research Council¿s Wales Doctoral Training Centre (DTC).

Supervision

  • The Development Of Dementia Supportive Communities In Wales (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr Charles Musselwhite

  • This is the Place. A study of Brexit views and the young people of Manchester (current)

    Student name:
    MSc
    Other supervisor: Dr Martina Tazzioli

  • Tracking the Anonymous: the Implications of Contemporary Biometric Registration Technologies on Migrant Lives in the UK; a Mixed Methods Approach (current)

    Student name:
    MSc
    Other supervisor: Dr Martina Tazzioli

  • The Taste of Austerity: exploring individuality and food tactics in a multicultural city (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Prof Marcus Doel

  • From City to Nation of Sanctuary: Examining the Political Geographies of Citizenship and Hospitality (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Prof Marcus Doel
    Other supervisor: Dr Martina Tazzioli

  • Comparing attitudes to community, self and the other among youth in rural Pembrokeshire and ethnic Somaliland youth in Bute Town Cardiff (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr Keith Halfacree

  • Remains appropriate – although I can't locate it on this database. (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Prof Marcus Doel

  • Understanding Statelessness (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr Amanda Rogers

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Chair of the Athena SWAN Committee - Geography

    2016 - Present

More about me

My interdisciplinary training informs both my research and teaching work. I have summarised my research and teaching interests into six key themes below. My teaching is very much informed by my research, by what I’m reading and working on at the time, as well as by events unfolding in the world around us. I find working with students extremely valuable in helping me develop other ways of seeing the world and in reminding me of what is at stake politically. I am responsible for the Political Geographies course at Swansea University Geography Department and a member of the teaching team for the Berlin fieldtrip. If you would like to  attend a class as an auditor, please get in touch by email. If you are a former student of mine enquiring about a reference, please make sure that you send me a full CV including academic results for particular courses.  

You can access my publications via ‘Cronfa’ (Swansea University’s Research Repository); www.academia.edu or by emailing me. You can follow me on twitter via @angharadcloss

Research and teaching themes:

The Politics of Nationalism

I have a longstanding interest in trying to understand the dynamics, histories and geographies of nationalism. My book unpacks what I describe as a ‘nationalist imaginary’ and its persistence in framing how we read and engage with the political world. Using examples from the political landscape of the War on Terror and various attempts at confronting the imaginative geographies of ‘us’ and ‘them’, it offers a study of the difficulties of thinking beyond nationalism. 

The Politics of Affect and Atmospheres

More recently, I have been engaging the question of nationalism by drawing on literatures in cultural and feminist studies, the politics of emotion, and human geography on affects, moods and atmospheres with the aim of asking how we experience nationality as a set of feelings circling in the air. I am particularly interested in how national affects become heightened in times of ‘crisis’ or through particular events. I have developed this work through an article on the London 2012 Olympic Games titled ‘The Affective Atmospheres of Nationalism’. 

Citizenship and the politics of crisis

I have an interest in examining political responses to ‘terrorist’ events across Europe, and in particular, how nationalist and cosmopolitan discourses, as well as ideas about strangers and foreigners circulate through such events.  This work began with an article responding to the London bombings on 7 July 2005, a co-edited book titled Terrorism and the Politics of Response with Dr Nick Vaughan-Williams and has recently included writing on the 10 year anniversary of those events. I convened a series of responses to the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris on 7 January 2015, bringing scholarly insights to this contemporary political event.  

Citizenship and cities 

I find writings about cities and the urban experience – both creative and academic – extremely fruitful in presenting us with alternative ways of thinking about political community and subjectivity – through their emphasis on cosmopolitanism and living with strangers. I have drawn on such ideas in writing about London, New York and Berlin.  Most recently, I have written a short article titled: ‘Urban Atmospheres: Feeling like a city?’ for a forum titled ‘Global/Urban/Politics’ in International Political Sociology (March 2015) convened by Dr Jennifer Bagelman and Dr Delacey Tedesco.  

Geographical imaginations 

Questions of geographical imaginations are developed most fully in my book, and in a special issue of Environment and Planning D: Society and Space (2012) that I guest edited (with Dr Vicki Squire) on the subject of ‘Citizenship without Community’. I have experimented with other models for imagining political community e.g. through a web, through the site of the city, and as an ‘affective atmosphere’. I have contributed to the Welsh Dictionary of Key Concepts, Yr Esboniadur, on this topic – ‘Daearyddiaeth Dychmygedig’ (Imaginative Geographies). 

Creative geographies and social/spatial theory 

Across my work, I engage Political Geography through the realm of the creative arts including art installations, performance, films, novels and other creative writings. I feel that creative works often offer accounts of political change that are more attuned to the ambiguities and uncertainties of everyday experience. This is in contrast to the ways in which we are often taught Politics – as ‘decisions’, ‘actions’, ‘leadership’, and so on. In terms of social theory, at the moment I’m drawing on the works of Lauren Berlant, Kathleen Stewart, William Connolly and Achille Mbembe; I have a longstanding interest in the works of Judith Butler, Wendy Brown, Jean-Luc Nancy, Jacques Derrida and Homi Bhabha. At Durham University Geography Department, I convened the Politics-State-Space research cluster (2014-16). Previously, I was co-convenor of the British International Studies Association Poststructural Politics Working Group (2007-11). 

If you are interested in working on any of the above themes for a Masters by Research or a PhD, do get in touch. Swansea University Geography Department provides a collegiate and supportive environment for a research project and is situated within walking distance of good coffee and the sea! 

Rwy’n siarad Cymraeg ac yn gallu arolygu prosiectau ymchwil yn Gymraeg neu yn Saesneg. Mae gen i ddiddordeb mewn meddwl am sut mae termau ôl-strwythurol yn trosi i’r Gymraeg ac mewn datblygu iaith, geirfa a chystrawen i drin a thrafod Gwleidyddiaeth yn Gymraeg mewn ffyrdd newydd ac adfywiol. 

Calling from outside the UK?

+44 1792 606287