Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG5030M Thinking through Global Urban Justice

30 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Paul Waley
Email: p.t.waley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Module replaces

Spaces of Radical Thought GEOG5360M (Long 30 credits) ; Spaces of Radical Thought GEOG5300M (Short 15 credits); Space and Social Theory GEOG5130M (Short 15 credits)

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides the intellectual foundations for theorising global urban in/justice. It ntroduces students to a critical understanding of contemporary global urbanisms through distinct but interrelated challenges across the global north and south: environmental, social and spatial justice. The module brings together approaches from feminist, Marxist, environmental, and urban theories to break down existing theoretical divides between global north/south, rural/urban, justice/injustice.The module is taught using a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will be used to introduce students to the key themes and debates for the particular week. The seminars will be used to explore these themes through a variety of interactive activities such as debates, discussions, student-led presentations. Assessment involves developing independent and advanced skills in reading, critical thinking and writing.

Objectives

-Assessment, synthesis and critical evaluation of theoretical debates shaping three aspects of justice- social, environmental and spatial justice
-Understanding the contribution of feminist, Marxist, ecological and urban theories to challenges of climate change, urbanization and the making of new forms of citizenship
-Understanding of the causes, reasons and consequences of the uneven geography of urban justice along the lines of race, class, ethnicity, gender and other social differences
-Understanding of contemporary social movements, struggles and activism to access rights and justice across the world

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate:
- Understanding of a range of key themes and debates around pressing global challenges and the issues at stake for 'global urban justice' in these debates.
- Application of range of theoretical tools to intervene in debates around just, equitable and sustainable urban futures both in the global north and south.
- Advanced skills in critical reading and thought around urban in/justice;
- Advanced skills in critical essay preparation and writing around theories and forms of urban in/justice
- Enhanced skills in discussion and argumentation with lecturers and peers around the causes and consequences of global urban in/justice.

Skills outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
1) The uneven geographies of urban in/justice across the world across social differences
2) The inter-relationships with social, spatial and environmental justice globally.
3) Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries
Cognitive skills:
4) Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
5) Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
6) Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
7) Developing reasoned arguments.
Key skills:
8) Communicate effectively (in writing and verbally)
9) Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange information using a wide range of sources
10) Use information technology effectively (including use of blogposts and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
11) Manage time and organise work effectively
12) Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others


Syllabus

This module will run over semester 1. The module is divided into interconnecting blocks that engage with issues of environmental justice, spatial justice and social justice. Initial and final sessions will connect notions of justice to a critique of contemporary global urbanism.

The two hour lecture slots on each topic will be creatively used to encourage student interaction and participation. The first hour will be delivered as a traditional lecture, and then the 2nd hour will be used for a variety of interactive activities such as debates, discussions and student-led presentations.

Among topics that will be discussed are: histories and theories of spatial justice; ordinary and global cities; new urban utopias (new towns, eco-cities, smart cities); urban informality; approaches to a right to the city; deep democracy and active citizenship; insurgent citizenship and guerrilla urbanism; intimate and embodied citizenships; geographies of in/justice; urban justice and social difference; recovering the commons; climate justice and social movements.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture102.0020.00
Seminar82.0016.00
Private study hours264.00
Total Contact hours36.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study

- 84 hours reading to support lectures and classroom participation
- 70 hours reading, writing and independent research for blog posts.
- 110 hours for reading, writing and independent research for essay

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Classroom discussions during each seminar.
VLE and student participation during lectures
Assessed blog post and review.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Report2000 word review of two books30.00
Essay3000 words55.00
Online AssessmentBlog posts 1000 words15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 23/05/2016

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019