The course’s learning objective is to obtain a grasp in the nature of borders and the dynamics which develop in space and economy when the actual borders close or open. The analysis of the “border phenomenon” is not restricted to the explanations of economic discipline but it is rather an attempt to familiarise students with an interdisciplinary approach of the economic interaction upon borders. In this context, the focus is further placed on the quality variables which shape the cross border economic milieu which involve language, culture, history, social stereotypes, peoples’ perceptions from both sides of the borders, the political setting, cross border policies, etc. Another objective is to familiarise students with the use of bibliography in carrying out empirical research.

The actual course focuses on the study of the impacts borders have upon space, economy and policies. In particular, core parameters which affect the development, the type and the intensity of cross-border interaction are recorded and analysed through a theoretical scope, empirical substantiation and examination of the implemented policies. The new EU external borders occupy a focal point within the analysis while at the same time the Greek spatial domain is also examined at a closer angle. The course includes a series of lectures as well as group and individual student assignments.

The course’s framework involves all students to engage in carrying out an individual assignment (35% Weighting) and one group assignment (65% Weighting)

Individual Assignment: Each student will be provided with a specific policy text referring to European territorial cooperation programmes implemented in Greece. The assignment’s deliverable will involve a brief text evaluation based on a specific context given by the lecturer.

Group Assignment: Group assignments will deal will the examination of issues related to the Greek border space. The assignment’s structure will involve both literature review and empirical investigation. In particular, empirical research will be based upon the processing of secondary data(statistical data, internet, etc) and also primary data (mainly questionnaires and interviews). The processing of data with the use of advanced cartographic visualisation tools and statistical elaboration is a vital requirement. The final assignment should meet the minimum requirements of a scientific work and this means that it should include literature review, empirical research and final conclusions or policy recommendations. The final deliverable should also exhibit an integrated scientific character as well as an added value element so that it can contribute to the scientific discussion. Each group will present their assignment during the last lessons of the semester period. Detailed instructions related to the group assignment will be thoroughly provided by the lecturer throughout the subject’s duration.

• 1. Τοπάλογλου, Λ. και Πετράκος, Γ., (2008), «Σύνορα, Ολοκλήρωση & Ανάπτυξη: Η νέα Γεωγραφία των διασυνοριακών οικονομικών σχέσεων», Εκδόσεις Κριτική, Αθήνα
• 2. Τοπάλογλου Λ. και Πετράκος Γ. (2009), “Αναζητώντας τις παραμέτρους ενός θεωρητικού υποδείγματος για την οικονομική γεωγραφία των συνόρων”, Αειχώρος,12:pp.34-56
• 3. Καλλιώρας Δ., Τοπάλογλου Λ. και Βενιέρης Σ. (2009) “Ανιχνεύοντας τους προσδιοριστικούς παράγοντες της οικονομικής διασυνοριακής αλληλεπίδρασης στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση”, Αειχώρος, 12: pp.56-82