GES4520 - Social Space and Urban Justice

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will bring the main themes of economic and cultural geography together. Throughout the unit we examine four main processes in contemporary cultural/economic geography: 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, diversity and social justice principles.

Objectives

The unit employs a range of geographical methods and skills to evaluate and synthesize information about representations and the social construction of social spaces and urban justice. This includes a case study approach that links theory with everyday examples and fieldtrips. Such approaches provide students with conceptual skills and capacities that are transferable to a variety of contemporary issues impacting on daily life. Learning objectives and outcomes: At the completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capacities:

1. critical analysis of urban and social justice
2. ability to identify and critically evaluate information dealing with economic practices and cultural consumption
3. effective communication in written and oral form
4. ability to engage with theoretical debates and link to practical examples, demonstrated both in (examination and assignments) and practice (tutorial, fieldwork, class presentations). 4th year students will be expected to complete assessed work at a qualitatively and theoretically more sophisticated level than in the Third Year version of the unit.

Assessment

Field Report 1 (1000) : 15%
Field report 2 (1000) : 15%
Presentation : 10%
Essay (1,500) : 20%
Participation : 20%
Examination : 20%

Contact hours

3 hour workshop + 2 compulsory fieldtrips

Prerequisites

Admission to Honours or Postgraduate status

Prohibitions

GES2760