Students

GEOP3090 – Thinking Space

2022 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor/Lecturer/Tutor
Associate Professor Donna Houston
donna.houston@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Email to make an appointment
Lecturer/Tutor
Dr Andrew Burridge
andrew.burridge@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
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 1000-word reflective summary of the research that you have individually selected for the group podcast.  You will be required to submit your summary 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, 6 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 – ten marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date  – and

(b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven 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
Thinking Space Reflective Activity 30% No See general assessment information
Review Essay 30% No Week 8 (April 29, 2022)
Thinking Space Podcast 40% No Week 13 (June 2, 2022)

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.

Review Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 8 (April 29, 2022)
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 Podcast

Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 13 (June 2, 2022)
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 1000 word reflective summary of research undertaken for the podcast. 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 is an in-person only offering.  It is taught in a 3 hour lectorial/workshop format in a collaborative learning classroom.  While lectures will be recorded and uploaded onto Echo360 each week, it will not be possible to record the workshops, activities and class discussions.  The Lectorial/Workshops are scheduled on Thursdays 10am-1pm in Weeks 1-13.  Typically, the workshops will begin with a lecture, followed by group activities and discussion.  Some class time has been set aside for consultation and assessment preparation and for group work related to the Thinking Space Media Project.

Class is scheduled to be held in the Central Courtyard in 01CC, 205. On the day of class, please make sure that you check the Macquarie timetable or the GEOP3090 iLearn page for any last minute room changes.  

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.    Intersections 1, Gender in the City

Week 8.    Assignment preparation and consultation

Week 9.    Intersections 2, Care and Commons

Week 10.  Intersections 3, Encounters

Week 11.  Future Directions for Planning

Week 12.  Group work for media project, assignment preparation and consultation

Week 13.  Thinking Space media project showcase

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:

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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Unit information based on version 2022.03 of the Handbook