GES3520

Social Space and Urban Justice ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Lauren Costello

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit will bring the main themes of economic and cultural geography together. Particular attention is paid to four main themes in contemporary geography including issues of consumption, production, commodification, and urban spectacle. Case studies will be used to conceptualise the dynamics of large cities and urban spaces, in particular, patterns of intra-urban social variation, cultural construction, the distribution of power and status and manifestations of popular culture. Through these themes attention is paid to difference and diversity and social justice principles are key to this unit.

Objectives: At the completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capacities: 1. Critical analysis of current debates in economic and cultural geography. 2. Effective communication of key themes demonstrated in written and oral form. 3. The ability to identify and critically evaluate information dealing with economic practices and cultural consumption. 4. The ability to engage with theoretical debates, demonstrated both in theory (examination and assignments) and practice (tutorial, fieldwork, class presentations). 5. The ability to apply theory to a wide variety of practical examples and case studies.

Assessment: Research Essay (2,500 words): 40% + Field Report (1,500 words): 20% + Individual Seminar Presentation: 10% + Exam (1 hour): 30%

Contact Hours: Contact hours include 1 two-hour lecture and 1 one-hour tutorial per week. Two full-day fieldtrips.

Prerequisites: Second Year sequence or with permission of the Chair of the School of Geography and Environmental Science