Students
GEOP3090 – Thinking Space
2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor, Lecturer/Tutor
Donna Houston
Contact via Email or via iLearn
Room 419, 25B Wally's Walk
Email to make an appointment
Lecturer/Tutor
Andrew Burridge
Contact via Email or via iLearn
Room 454, 25B Wally's Walks
Email to make an appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Why do we need theoretical concepts to think critically and reflectively about human geography and planning? This unit offers you an advanced introduction to key theoretical paradigms and to the ways in which they have influenced geographical and planning imaginations. A key focus of the unit is the use of theory to develop critical, situated and ethical standpoints that inform academic and professional practice. ‘Thinking Space’ will help you to develop these skills by learning how to identify your own theoretical perspectives in relation to the perspectives of others. You will work individually and in groups on themes related to the critical study of space and apply theoretical perspectives to the historical and lived conditions experienced by different groups over time. |
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: Identify and discuss the key paradigms and concepts that inform contemporary geographical and planning theory.
- ULO2: Develop an understanding of the use of theory in formulating critical perspectives and ethical standpoints in addressing real world issues and in recognising the perspectives and standpoints of others.
- ULO3: Apply theoretical perspectives to the historical and lived spatial conditions experienced by different social groups
- ULO4: Develop your own theoretical and ethical standpoints and relate these to your professional and/or academic practice.
General Assessment Information
Where can I find out more detailed information about assignments?
Please consult the folder in the GEOP3090 iLearn page labelled 'Assessment'. Here you will find more detailed instructions for each assessment item, marking criteria and rubrics. The assessment folder contains links to useful resources and guides. You are encouraged to post questions about assignments in the General Discussion Forum on the main iLearn page.
Thinking Space Media Project
The 'Thinking Space Media Project' is a mixture of group and individual assessment. There is class-time dedicated to this task so that your group has an opportunity to work together on the assignment. Please note that 50% of the mark for the 'Thinking Space Media Project' is individually assessed. The individual component of the task requires you to submit a 700-word ‘script’ that you have individually researched and written for the group podcast. You will be required to submit your script to Turnitin in iLearn by 5pm in Week 13.
The remaining 50% of the media project mark will be based on the quality and presentation of your group podcast. The podcasts will be uploaded to a special forum in iLearn by 9:30am in Week 13.
Thinking Space Reflective Activity
From Week 2, you are required to read the set readings for each topic. The readings can be accessed through Leganto in iLearn. Your reading will inform the completion of three 500-word reflective activity sheets. The activity sheets will be available in the assessment folder in iLearn. Please note that you must complete a minimum of 2 activity sheets to receive a mark for this assessment. The Reflective Activity sheets are due in Turnitin by 5pm on the day of class in weeks 4, 9 and 11.
Handing in your assignments
Unless otherwise specified, you are required to submit your assignments by the time and date provided in this Unit Guide via the Turnitin link provided in iLearn. Please keep an electronic copy of your assignment and a record of your submission for reference. If you are having trouble submitting your assessment to Turnitin, please contact Donna immediately.
Late assignments
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review Essay | 30% | No | 5pm 22/4/2021 |
| Thinking Space Reflective Activity | 30% | No | See general assessment information |
| Thinking Space Podcast | 40% | No | 9:30am 3/6/2021 |
Review Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 5pm 22/4/2021
Weighting: 30%
A 1500-word review essay that critically discusses a key theoretical perspective in planning or urban geography. The essay can be focused on a key idea, theory or thinker. The essay will consider how theory informs planning practice or geographical thought through the application of concrete examples.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and discuss the key paradigms and concepts that inform contemporary geographical and planning theory.
- Develop an understanding of the use of theory in formulating critical perspectives and ethical standpoints in addressing real world issues and in recognising the perspectives and standpoints of others.
- Apply theoretical perspectives to the historical and lived spatial conditions experienced by different social groups
- Develop your own theoretical and ethical standpoints and relate these to your professional and/or academic practice.
Thinking Space Reflective Activity
Assessment Type 1: Log book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: See general assessment information
Weighting: 30%
Three 500-word reflective activity sheets will be completed between weeks 2-8. The activity task is structured to facilitate a thoughtful record of and reflection on the lecture and reading material. Students are tasked in their reflections to apply key ideas to real-world examples sourced from the media or planning project websites.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and discuss the key paradigms and concepts that inform contemporary geographical and planning theory.
- Develop an understanding of the use of theory in formulating critical perspectives and ethical standpoints in addressing real world issues and in recognising the perspectives and standpoints of others.
- Develop your own theoretical and ethical standpoints and relate these to your professional and/or academic practice.
Thinking Space Podcast
Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 9:30am 3/6/2021
Weighting: 40%
Students will critically apply concepts from ‘Thinking Space’ to a contemporary urban issue. The task has an individual and group component. The individual component is worth 50% of the mark and will involve a 700-word individual script written for the media project. The group project will involve the scripting, recording and publication of a ‘Thinking Space’ podcast.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and discuss the key paradigms and concepts that inform contemporary geographical and planning theory.
- Develop an understanding of the use of theory in formulating critical perspectives and ethical standpoints in addressing real world issues and in recognising the perspectives and standpoints of others.
- Apply theoretical perspectives to the historical and lived spatial conditions experienced by different social groups
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
GEOP3090 will be delivered in 'special circumstances' mode in Session 1, 2021. Pre-recorded Echo360 lectures will be uploaded to iLearn each week. The unit will be taught synchronously. This means that you are asked to listen to the pre-recorded Echo360 lecture for each week in the timetabled lecture slot (10am-12pm) or prior to attending the tutorial either in person or online. The pre-recorded lectures will be uploaded by 5pm on Wednesdays.
Tutorial 1 will be taught in person in the new Central Courtyard 01CC 218 Active Learning Space, 1pm-2pm on Thursdays.
Tutorial 2 will be taught online via Zoom video conference, 2pm-3pm on Thursdays. A link to the Zoom conference will be provided in iLearn.
Tutorials will be a mix of structured activities, discussions and presentations.
Unit readings can be accessed via Leganto. The Leganto link is located in the top right panel of the GEOP3090 iLearn main page. Please contact Donna if you are having trouble accessing the readings as they are essential to your assignments and to the class discussions.
The GEOP3090 iLearn page contains additional resources in the 'Assessment' folder and under the weekly topic headings. Please make sure that you regularly check the iLearn page and your Macquarie University student email for updates and information regarding this unit.
Unit Schedule
Week 1. Introduction to Thinking Space
Week 2. Paradigm 1, Authority and Rationalism
Week 3. Paradigm 1 Case Study, Urban Renewal
Week 4. Paradigm 2, Knowledge and Power
Week 5. Paradigm 2 Case Study, New Urbanism
Week 6. Paradigm 3, From the Margins
Week 7. Assignment work, no class
Week 8. Intersections 1, Gender in the City
Week 9. Intersections 2, Encounters
Week 10. Intersections 3, Care and Commons
Week 11. Future Directions for Planning
Week 12. Group work for media project, no class
Week 13. Thinking Space media project showcase
*A more detailed schedule will be available to download from iLearn.
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 since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 05/02/2021 | Based on early feedback from students, I made a minor change to the section on 'resources and delivery'. The pre-recorded lectures will be made available the previous day. |
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook