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This programme provides an introduction to political geography by discussing the classifications of frontiers and boundaries, using animated maps and models, film sequences and still photographs to... illustrate their various types. Frontiers are defined as zones, while boundaries are lines - either on a map or on the ground. Frontiers may move, as in the American west, or they may be succeeded by an international or an internal boundary. Professor Learmonth discusses various methods of classifying and defining frontier and boundary lines. The advantages and disadvantages of natural boundaries such as mountain ranges and rivers are considered in relation to the political unity they are separating. Professor William Kirk of Queen's University, Belfast then gives an account of the development of the political boundaries on the northern margins of what was, until 1947, the British Empire of Southern Asia. His analysis includes the early delimitation of the boundaries between British India andNepal, the establishment of boundary lines on the north east frontier of India, the establishment of the Kingdom of Cashmere, and the delimitation of the boundaries of Afghanistan as part of a policy of a zones frontier system. Professor Kirk goes on to discuss the problem of the de-limitation of the Indo-Tibetan boundary, and the establishment of various buffer states and finally the friction within this frontier area after the removal of British power in 1947.
This programme provides an introduction to political geography by discussing the classifications of frontiers and boundaries, using animated maps and models, film sequences and still photographs to... illustrate their various types. Frontiers are defined as zones, while boundaries are lines - either on a map or on the ground. Frontiers may move, as in the American west, or they may be succeeded by an international or an internal boundary. Professor Learmonth discusses various methods of classifying and defining frontier and boundary lines. The advantages and disadvantages of natural boundaries such as mountain ranges and rivers are considered in relation to the political unity they are separating. Professor William Kirk of Queen's University, Belfast then gives an account of the development of the political boundaries on the northern margins of what was, until 1947, the British Empire of Southern Asia. His analysis includes the early delimitation of the boundaries between British India andNepal, the establishment of boundary lines on the north east frontier of India, the establishment of the Kingdom of Cashmere, and the delimitation of the boundaries of Afghanistan as part of a policy of a zones frontier system. Professor Kirk goes on to discuss the problem of the de-limitation of the Indo-Tibetan boundary, and the establishment of various buffer states and finally the friction within this frontier area after the removal of British power in 1947.
| Module code and title: | D100, Understanding society: a foundation course |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D100; 23; 1972 |
| First transmission date: | 25-06-1972 |
| Published: | 1972 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:27 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Nicholas Gosling |
| Contributors: | W.(William) Kirk; Andrew Learmonth |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Argentina; Continents; Rivers; Wales |
| Footage description: | Learmonth introduces the unit. He explains why the topic is important and what approach the programme will take. Learmonth gives definitions of "frontiers" and ''boundaries''. Shot of a map of Wales. It shows the core area of Welsh culture today as well as the actual boundary between England and Wales. The map thus shows the recession of the frontier on a static boundary. Frontier contrasts are captioned. These are areas of contrast between core zones which determine a frontier zone. Cultural, linguistic, economic, etc. contrasts are examined. Learmonth with a model showing intermingling between groups at a frontier zone. Allocation and delimitation of boundaries explained and shown on a model. Demarcation of boundaries explained and various methods of demarcation shown with the model. The model shows the following types of boundaries. The commentary gives examples of each: Antecedent boundaries; Subsequent boundaries; Consequent boundaries; Superimposed boundaries; Relict boundaries; Rejuvenated boundaries. Learmonth with a map of Chile and Argentina showing the boundary between the two countries. Learmonth gives a brief history of the border problems and tells how the present boundary was settled. Learmonth discusses the advantages and disadvantages of river boundaries. As an example he takes up the Rio Grande boundary between the U.S. and Mexico which changed several times due to changes in the course of the river. Learmonth introduces Prof. William Kirk who will give a brief history of the boundary in northern India. William Kirk gives the history of the Sino-Indian and Russo-Indian border. An animated map of the Indian subcontinent aids him in his discussion. Kirk covers both topological and political aspects. Kirk shows the reduction of a broad frontier zone to a specific boundary. Learmonth speculates on the possibility of a general theory for this part of political geography. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/70611 |
| Production number: | 00521_2263 |
| Videofinder number: | 3382 |
| Available to public: | no |
