2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG3920 Autonomous Geographies, Sustainable Futures

20 creditsClass Size: 95

Module manager: Dr Paul Chatterton
Email: p.chatterton@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

Pre-requisites

GEOG2690

Geog of International Dvlpmnt

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The theory and practice of autonomy is a central focus for many groups in the global north and south ranging from high profile examples such as the Zapatistas of Mexico and the Piqueteros of Argentina, to countless community and campaign groups here in the UK. Autonomy, literally meaning self-governing, stems from a rejection of mainstream politics, global corporations, consumer cultures and unsustainable living practices. This module aims to introduce students to key issues in the study of autonomy and sustainability such as: freedom and self-management, grassroots organising, sustainable lifestyles and communities. Rather than individualistic notions of autonomy which underpin modern day consumer society, we will look at autonomy as a project of self-education, collective responsibility and the questioning of laws and social roles. Various examples of autonomy, from the global north and south, will be explored including education, the environment, cities, work, money, and new media.

Objectives

The idea of autonomy is a key aspect of politics and community organising in many parts of the world. Its popularity stems from a declining faith in parliamentary democracy and a growing cynicism towards mainstream politics. The idea of autonomy is embedded in ideas of freedom and self-management. It concerns analysis, and how to develop new tools and strategies for a changing the world. Rather than individualistic notions of autonomy which underpin modern day consumer society, we will look at autonomy as a project of self-education, collective responsibility and questioning the laws we are governed by. In this course, we will look at the idea of autonomy, examples of groups and projects which are using autonomy, and some key themes such as education, the environment, work, money, and the media.

On completion, students should have:
1. An understanding of debates in critical geography and related social sciences and how they apply to the idea of autonomy;
2. Engaged with a wide range of new ideas and arguments;
3. Acquired specialised knowledge through work on case studies;
4. Developed an ability to write and present coherent arguments on this subject.

Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A1 The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the physical and natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities
A2 The diversity of global environments and the operation of, and inter-relationships between physical and biological systems over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales
A3 Patterns and processes of environmental change and their inter-relationships with human activities
A4 Spatial patterns and relationships in human phenomena at a variety of scales
A5 The geography of places and their constitution by environmental, economic, social and political processes, and the influence of places on these processes
A6 The geographies of difference and inequality with particular reference to historical development, ethnicity, class, gender and the changing nature of urban and regional economies and policy
A7 Contemporary debates about time-space relationships, globalization and global interconnections
A8 The role of changes in technology, the nature of work and labour markets in influencing spatial patterns of economic activity
A9 The theory and application of quantitative, visualisation and other spatial techniques across a wide range of geographical contexts
A10 The contribution of geography to development of environmental political, economic and cultural agendas, policies and practices

B Cognitive skills
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
B2 Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
B3 Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
B4 Developing reasoned arguments
B5 Solving problems and making reasoned decisions

C Practical/professional skills
C1 Plan, design, execute and report geographical research both individually and as part of a team
C2 Undertake effective laboratory and field work (with due regard for safety and risk assessment)
C3 Employ a variety of technical and laboratory-based methods for the analysis and presentation of spatial and environmental information (e.g. GIS, water chemistry, etc)
C4 Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data
C5 Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries

D Key skills
D1 Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations
D2 Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
D3 Apply numerical and computational skills to geographical information
D4 Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
D5 Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
D6 Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
D7 Manage time and organise work effectively

Syllabus

1. Introduction
2. An introduction to theories of autonomy I
3. An introduction to theories of autonomy II
4. We are everywhere. Global/local movements of resistance and dissent
5. Autonomous spaces. Squatting and challenging the corporate nightlife machine
6. Rethinking money and work. Lessons from Argentina
7. Reading week
8. Greening the city
9. Rethinking education.
10. Representing alternatives. The role of independent media
11. Sustainable futures. Prospects and Challenges

Plus - 5 fortnightly seminars

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Reading to support lectures: 40 hours;
Reading/preparation for seminar portfolio: 60 hours;
Reading for assessed essay: 80 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through interaction during Seminars

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,500 words	60.00
Portfolio	2,000 words	40.00
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: 13/05/2008

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