Students
GEOP3090 – Thinking Space
2026 – 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 and lecturer
Professor Donna Houston
Contact via Email
25 WW B263
Email to make a time
Convenor and lecturer
Dr Alistair Sisson
Contact via Email
25WW B245
Email to make a time
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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
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-time 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 | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scoping Task | 20% | No | 11:55pm on 22/3/26 | Individual | No | Open AI |
| Methods and Data Collection Report | 40% | No | 11:55pm on 26/4/26 | Individual | No | Open AI |
| Thinking Space Final Project Report | 40% | No | 11:55pm to Turnitin on 7/6/26 | Individual | No | Open AI |
Scoping Task
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 11:55pm on 22/3/26
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
Development of a scoping brief for a place-based research project. The task will include site identification and background, the identification of three sources of literature, the scoping of methods to be deployed, a draft abstract and a timeline for project deliverables. 800 words.
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.
Methods and Data Collection Report
Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 11:55pm on 26/4/26
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
This assessment has three components (1) identification and discussion of methods such as historical, observational, or media analysis; (2) data collection and (3) presentation and preliminary analysis of data. 2000 words.
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 Final Project Report
Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 11:55pm to Turnitin on 7/6/26
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
Synthesis of tasks 1 and 2 into a full final research report. The report will include an introduction and discussion of relevant literature (synthesis and further development of task one) and the presentation, analysis and discussion of data (synthesis and further development of task two). In addition, the report will include a fully developed conclusion. The overall quality of the presentation of the report in a professional format and evidence of response to feedback are assessable components of this task. 5000 words.
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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
GEOP3090 is an in-person only offering. It is taught in a 3 hour lectorial format. Each lectorial will incorporate time for working on the unit assessments, including workshops on academic writing, literature reviews, and research methods. 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 Tuesdays 9am-12pm weeks 1-12. 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 Final Project.
Class is scheduled to be held in 01CC 115 Groupwork Learning Space. 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
We will do our best to keep to the schedule but please note that there may be some last minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Always check iLearn and your student email for up-to-date information.
| Week | Lecture topic | Tutorial/workshop |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to 'Thinking Space' |
Introduction to assessments What is place-based research? |
| 2 | Modernism, rationalism and the orgins of urban planning |
Dos and don'ts of project topic selection and preparation |
| 3 | Power, knowledge and participation | Data and methods in place-based research 1 - literature review |
| 4 | Gentrification and uneven development | Data and methods in place-based research 2 - quantitative data |
| 5 | Settler colonial cities | Data and methods in place-based research 3 - qualitiative data |
| 6 | Fieldtrip to Redfern and Waterloo | Field observations and conversations |
| 7 | Social justice, spatial justice and the right to the city |
Fieldtrip debrief and assignment 1 feedback Putting data together |
| 8 | Gender and the city |
Inclusive design workshop Linking theory with practice |
| 9 | Care, commons and commoning | Assembling a commoning toolkit |
| 10 | Multispecies cities |
Arts of noticing Assignment 2 feedback |
| 11 | Informality and design |
Lived or planned cities? Writing up your project |
| 12 | Drop-in sessions for assignment 3 advice | |
| 13 | Finalisation of projects (no class) |
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 connect.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.
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- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
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- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
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Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, 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 2026.01R of the Handbook