Students
GEOP1030 – Sydney and the Great Australian Dream
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Andrew Burridge
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Mapping is a critical method applied by geographers. While often presented as unbiased, critical geographers have demonstrated the means by which mapping can be employed as a tool of power. In response, methods of counter-mapping and other experimental practices provide alternative understandings of space, expose power and progress socio-spatial justice while new technologies allow participation by 'nonexperts'. In both a historical and contemporary context, this unit asks how can we define and understand Sydney through a critical geographical lens, and whether the archetypal 'Australian dream' still exists? The unit will focus upon methods of counter-mapping Sydney and other cities, and explores what a critical geographical mapping to develop a 'People's Guide to Sydney' might comprise. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Demonstrate an understanding of the contested representations of the 'Australian dream' and its relevance to Sydney.
- ULO2: Critically examine the history of mapping, and its use by geographers to explore and visualise contemporary urban problems.
- ULO3: Identify and discuss the diverse political motivations, methods and implications of mapping and counter-mapping.
- ULO4: Analyse the potential of counter-mapping to reveal different lenses through which to understand and define cities.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lies and power of mapping | 30% | No | 17:00 27/08/2021 |
| Countermapping essay | 40% | No | 17:00 08/10/2021 |
| A People's Guide to Sydney | 30% | No | 17:00 05/11/2021 |
The lies and power of mapping
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20.00 hours
Due: 17:00 27/08/2021
Weighting: 30%
A 1000 word review drawing on academic literature to explore the lies and power of mapping.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically examine the history of mapping, and its use by geographers to explore and visualise contemporary urban problems.
- Identify and discuss the diverse political motivations, methods and implications of mapping and counter-mapping.
Countermapping essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 17:00 08/10/2021
Weighting: 40%
1500 word essay discussing and critiquing different approaches to mapping and countermapping and their wider implications
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and discuss the diverse political motivations, methods and implications of mapping and counter-mapping.
- Analyse the potential of counter-mapping to reveal different lenses through which to understand and define cities.
A People's Guide to Sydney
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 17:00 05/11/2021
Weighting: 30%
A project based on mapping/counter-mapping to produce a People’s Guide to Sydney. Students will produce an annotated map of Sydney based on a specific lens of analysis as well as deliver a presentation on their lens and approach to (counter)mapping.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the contested representations of the 'Australian dream' and its relevance to Sydney.
- Critically examine the history of mapping, and its use by geographers to explore and visualise contemporary urban problems.
- Identify and discuss the diverse political motivations, methods and implications of mapping and counter-mapping.
- Analyse the potential of counter-mapping to reveal different lenses through which to understand and define cities.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Lectures and Tutorials
Learning and teaching activities comprise a mix of recorded lectures, tutorials and discussion activities. Please see iLearn for further details
Recommended Texts and/or Materials
There is no set textbook for this unit; however, independent reading and tutorial discussions are integral to GEOP1030 and a full reading list will be made available on iLearn, with readings accessible via Leganto. Students are expected to complete the required weekly set readings before each tutorial.
Unit webpage and Technology used and required
All enrolled students have access to the unit website at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/ . Access to the website is essential to complete GEOP1030.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
N/A - this is a new unit
Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook