GEOG6090Society and Space

Course handbook

Description

Society and Space studies the dynamics of large cities and urban places, in particular, their patterns of intra-urban social variation, their cultural construction, the distribution of power and status in cities and manifestations of everyday life such as home, sport, and shopping. The course reflects the three major themes of contemporary social and cultural geography, place and place management, social groups and space and everyday spaces. Through these themes issues of socio-spatial power are related to class, gender, sexuality, race, age and disability. The course employs a range of geographical methods and skills to evaluate and synthesise information about representations of the city and the social construction of urban space.

Availability2024 Course Timetables

Learning outcomes

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

1. Analyse dynamics and patterns of social differentiation of large cities, inner city areas and suburbs.

2. Compare and contrast spatial patterns of advantage and disadvantage, through an examination of inequalities associated with race, gender, sexuality, age and disability.

3. Appraise manifestations of everyday life in the city.

4. Apply knowledge of theoretical approaches with which to examine and evaluate the city and its patterns and problems.

5. Implement a range of skills and methods relevant to geographical enquiry and communication.

6. Work in small groups to produce a professional report.

Content

Place and Place Management

• Place, Space, Culture and Social Relations
• The Significance of Neighbourhoods
• Privileged Neighbourhoods
• Social Exclusion and Neighbourhoods/Cities

Social Groups and Space

• Spatial patterns of advantage and disadvantage
• Oppression and Politics of Difference
• Embodiment, Intersectionality and Performativity
• Visibility and Invisibility
• Citizenship and social protest
  • race
  • class
  • gender
  • sexuality
  • age
  • disability
  • homelessness

Everyday spaces in the city

• Geographies of everyday life
  • house and garden
  • sport and leisure
  • shopping and consumption
  • eating/ drinking

Assessment items

Report: Neighbourhood Report

Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Tutorial summaries and critical reflections (Social group essay)

Essay: Social group essay

Written Assignment: Student hazard matrix, Literature review, Everyday spaces poster

Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.