Available in 2024
Course code

GEOG2080

Units

10 units

Level

2000 level

Course handbook

Description

Australian cities and regions are transforming and there is heated political debate about their future course. GEOG2080 examines the economic, social and cultural dynamics of cities and regions, and contemporary shifts in the theories through which we understand them. The course draws on a series of case studies of Australian as well as international cities, regions, communities and policies to explain patterns of urban, suburban and regional growth and decline, change and continuity. Topics covered include: the impacts of colonisation on shaping Australian places; urban economic and socio-cultural diversity; changing urban forms; sustainable urban and regional development; policy challenges for the management of urban and regional development; and the challenges of urban and regional growth and decline. On completion of this course students will have experience in geographical methods, skills and knowledge that are highly useful for future employment opportunities.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Identify the patterns and problems of urban and regional development and management;

2. Identify the workings and impacts of colonialism and power, and explain how these encounters have shaped our cities, towns and regions.

3. Explain the processes driving urban and regional economic, social and cultural transformation at a range of scales;

4. Examine and describe a variety of theoretical approaches from which to investigate and evaluate urban and regional patterns, problems and processes;

5. Develop a range of skills and methods relevant to geographical enquiry and communication. These include: critical analysis and evaluation of data sources; the interpretation of field observations; the presentation of material including report writing and essay writing; and (drawing on the 8 ways framework) place-based learning, linking content to local land and place; centring local viewpoints, applying learning for community benefit.

6. Analyse and evaluate a variety of materials including policy documentation, statistical information and reports.


Content

1. Cities and urban places:

  • the history of colonisation in shaping contemporary Australian places and acknowledging the continuance of Country;
  • the politics of urban development – gentrification, place-making, creative cities;
  • urban, suburban and peri-urban planning, policy and development;
  • socio-spatial patterns of advantage and disadvantage, diversity and difference, wellbeing, social justice.

2. Rural places:

  • conceptualising the rural, the rural idyll, performing the rural; competing rural narratives;
  • drivers of rural change; amenity-led migration; transforming rural places;
  • rural development and policy;
  • neglected rural geographies, the anti-idyll;

3. Regional and remote places:

  • conceptualising ‘the region’;
  • Indigenous people and Australia’s regions;
  • socio-spatial patterns of advantage and disadvantage, diversity and difference, wellbeing, social justice;
  • policy and sustainable regional economies and communities.

Assumed knowledge

GEOG1020 or GEOG1030 or EMGT1020/ENVS1004 Students enrolled in the B Arts - Human Geography and the Environment Major must have successfully completed GEOG1020.


Assessment items

Quiz: Online Quizzes

Essay: Essay

Log / Workbook: Field Trip Report

Report: Field Report


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Field Study-1
  • Face to Face Off Campus 24 hour(s) per term
  • Includes field & computer labs conducted during 2 intensive field trips. Week/dates to be advised.
Lecture-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s)
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)

Course outline