GES2760 - Place and the Politics of Identity

Leader: Dr Lauren Costello

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

Place and the Politics of Identity focuses on the role that identity plays in geographical meanings of place, space and territory. It examines the importance of culture, including everyday beliefs and practices, in understanding contemporary urban processes and explores the growing claims for social justice amongst a range of groups within urban settings. In this subject students will become familiar with models of cultural geography that consider notions of difference, diversity and the practices of social institutions. These concepts will be explored through a range of global, national and local urban social movements to illustrate the importance of place.

Objectives

This unit aims to familiarise students with issues, theories and debates in contemporary cultural geography. At the completion of the unit students should have developed the following skills and capacities:

1. critical analysis
2. effective communication
3. identify and critically evaluate information
4. ability to engage with theoretical debates
5. apply theory to practical examples and case studies

Assessment

Field Report (2,500) : 35%
Essay (1,500) : 25%
Participation : 20%
Examination : 20%

Contact hours

3 hours (one 2-hour workshop and one 1-hour practical) per week plus compulsory fieldtrip

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Geography or permission