LEIS3330

Leisure, Politics and the City

Faculty of Business and Law Newcastle Business School

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Planning and placemaking processes are not neutral, technical activities but are deeply embedded in social, political and cultural contexts and occur both formally and informally. Building on theoretical knowledge gained from first and second year, the purpose of this course is to explore these processes and give students a comprehensive understanding of the critical issues associated with urban and regional planning and development. Selected case studies illustrate the relationship between leisure, tourism and the city.

Objectives

On completion of this course, it is expected that students will:

1. Develop a systematic and critical understanding of the planning, representation and interpretation of the city through an engagement with the major theoretical perspectives that inform contemporary urban analysis;

2. Develop an historical appreciation of the events, process and political interventions that have shaped Australian cities and contributed to the cultural value Australians place on suburbia;

3. Explore the interrelationship of equity, leisure, tourism and the government of urban space;

4. Examine the connection between identity and place, and the implications of ideas of belonging for an understanding of urban development and politics;

5. Critically evaluate significant contemporary urban planning trends through detailed analysis of chosen case material.

Content

This interdisciplinary course will consider complex contemporary urban issues, including identity, place and culture through an exploration of specific planning and development trends and theoretical debates including:

1. Town planning and the growth of the Australian city.
2. The Garden City and City Beautiful movements.
3. The role of governments in urban development.
4. Consulting communities.
5. Issues of equity, masculine cities/feminine suburbs.
6. The militarization of space.
7. Leisure, art and the city.
8. City reimaging and urban tourism.
9. The city as theme park.
10.Identity, place and belonging.
11.The city in popular culture.

Replacing Course(s)

n/a

Transition

n/a

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

10 units at 2000 level in LEIS courses.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments	(25%) (1,000 words) Students will write an essay in which they analyse a selected urban issue. The tutorial paper will demonstrate student's ability to reflect critically on an empiricial issue and explain it with reference to the relevant literature.
Essays / Written Assignments	(45%)(3,000 words) This essay will require students to demonstrate their understanding of relevant theoretical perspectives and their ability to analyse a particular local urban issue in terms of these theories.
Group/tutorial participation and contribution	(10%) This component will take account of the students' ongoing contribution to tutorial discussions. I will assess their ability to raise questions and engage with the subject matter.
Presentations - Individual	(20%) This item will require students to research a selected urban issue and present this information to the class in a way that engages with the issues discussed in the course. It will assess their ability to communicate information using a variety of presentation techniques.

Contact Hours