Students
GEOP3090 – Thinking Space
2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor/Lecturer
Donna Houston
Email to make an appointment
Convenor/Lecturer
Alistair Sisson
Email to make an appointment
Lecturer
Andrew Burridge
Email to make an appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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.
Group-work assignment
The podcasting assignment is a group assessment task due in Week 8. Groups will be organised in class in Weeks 2 and 3. Please ensure that you are in group and keep regular contact with your group members. Class time is set aside in Week 8 to record podcasts.
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 the unit convenor immediately.
Late assessment policy
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take home exam | 30% | No | 06/04/2023 (Week 7) |
| Thinking Space Podcast | 30% | No | 24/04/2023 (Week 8) |
| Thinking Space Field Project | 40% | No | 02/06/2023 (Week 13) |
Take home exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 06/04/2023 (Week 7)
Weighting: 30%
Students will undertake a timed assessment task based on unit content from the readings and lectorials in weeks 1-5. This task facilitates the identification of key concepts and the demonstration of theoretical understanding.
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.
Thinking Space Podcast
Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 24/04/2023 (Week 8)
Weighting: 30%
The task is a group project which will involve the scripting, editing, recording and publication of a podcast and linked resources. The podcast will introduce and discuss a contemporary urban issue related to ‘Thinking Space.’
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
Thinking Space Field Project
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 02/06/2023 (Week 13)
Weighting: 40%
Students will critically apply concepts from Thinking Space to a mini research project (3000 words). Students will work on the Thinking Space Field Project throughout the semester. Several milestones will be completed to help students to manage their project. Milestones include the identification of a study site, the presentation of a project management plan, background, literature and field research, and writing the final project.
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.
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. 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 Mondays 12pm-3pm 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 Tutorial Room 320, 4 Western Road. 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 the unit convenor 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 | Topic | Workshop Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1. (Feb 20 ) | Lecture 'Introduction to Thinking Space' |
Introduction workshop activities Introduction to assessments |
| 2. (Feb 27) | Lecture 'Modernity, Authority and Rationalism' |
Establish podcast groups Workshop activities |
| 3. (Mar 6) | Lecture 'Case Study 1: Housing and Gentrification' |
Workshop activities Podcast group planning session |
| 4. (Mar 13) | Lecture 'Knowledge and Power' |
Field project discussion (selecting a site) Workshop activities |
| 5. (Mar 20) | Lecture 'Planning and Public Health' |
Take-home exam Q & A Take home released Workshop activities |
| 6. (Mar 27) | Lecture 'From the Margins' |
Workshop activities Podcasting group work |
| 7. (Apr 3) | Lecture 'Gender and the City' |
Guest speakers (TBA) Field project update Take home exam due Thursday |
| 8. (Apr 24) | No lecture or workshop - class time can be used to record podcast assignment | Podcast due Friday |
| 9. (May 1) |
Field trip to Miller's Point and Barangaroo Check iLearn for information |
Walking tour with guest speakers (TBA) Field project - doing place-based field studies |
| 10. (May 8) | Lecture 'Encounters' |
Field project updates Workshop activities |
| 11. (May 15) | Lecture 'Care and Commons' | Workshop activities |
| 12. (May 22) | Lecture 'Right to the City' |
Workshop activities |
| 13. (May 29) | Thinking Space Wrap Up and Field Project Reflections | Field project due Friday |
* Please note that the unit schedule may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please regularly check the iLearn site for the most up-to-date information.
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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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
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.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
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:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
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.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 18/02/2023 | I did not make any changes - please ignore and republish. |
Unit information based on version 2023.02 of the Handbook