Overview

This module will introduce you to the dynamic field of critical human geography, and will teach you how to think, debate, research, and write about the following questions: How should we conceptualise the power relations that structure our world? What is the role of space and place in the production and expression of these relations? How are ideologies encoded in social space, and how does this legitimate and/or conceal specific relations of power, including violence, exploitation, marginalization, and inequality? How do people struggle to change such relations, and what is the role of space, power, and ideology in these processes of resistance and transformation? These questions will be explored through a wide-ranging analysis of the multi-dimensional spatial politics of our times, including neoliberalism, development, populism, racism, consumerism, charity, environmentalism, extractivism, and utopian dreams of alternative futures. Delivery is in the form of lectures and seminars, with the latter focused on the analysis of key texts in the field of critical human geography. Assessment is based on an essay on a subject of your choice, related to the central themes of the module, and a learning log, comprised of short reflective pieces written each week in response to that week’s readings. By the end of the module you will be an expert in the core concepts and key themes of critical human geography; you will have developed a wide range of employability skills related to critical thinking, textual analysis, and academic writing; and you will have learned how to interpret and make sense of the complex, encoded social spaces that surround you – an invaluable skill that will last a lifetime.

1. Introduction
2. Power and Violence
3. Space and Place
4. Ideology and Identity
5. Spaces of Neoliberalism
6. Spaces of Enjoyment
7. Spaces of Depoliticization
8. Spaces of Nature
9. Spaces of Utopia
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction
2. Power and Violence
3. Space and Place
4. Ideology and Identity
5. Spaces of Neoliberalism
6. Spaces of Enjoyment
7. Spaces of Depoliticization
8. Spaces of Nature
9. Spaces of Utopia
10. Conclusion

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(Standard Pass: D- to D+)a.No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills.b.Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements.c.Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.d.Use of primary literature.

-good -(Average to high standard Pass: C- to B+)a.Much or most of the relevant information and skills accurately displayed.b.Good/adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements.c.Good/fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.d.Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.e.Critical use of primary and other literature cited in the lecture.

-excellent -(Excellent standard First Class: A- to A**)a.An outstanding performance, exceptionally able.b.The relevant information accurately deployed.c.Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements.d.Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.e.Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.Critical use of literature beyond that cited in the lecture.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically engage with a range of key geographical concepts concerning the production and transformation of social space, the deployment and operation of political power, and the formulation and dissemination of ideological discourses and representations.

• To synthesise and appraise central issues and debates in the field of critical human geography, discerning the complex operation of power in the production of social spaces, and demonstrating awareness of the processes through which spatial power relations are contested.

• To develop and present an independent critical analysis in the form of an essay, located in the literature on human geography, and addressing a case relating to one of the central themes of the module.

• To synthesise and analyse peer-reviewed literature in the form of a learning log, engaging with themes drawn from across the module.