GY403 Half Unit
Contemporary Debates in Human Geography
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Murray Low STC S512
Other teacher involved: Dr Ryan Centner
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MPhil/PhD in Human Geography and Urban Studies and MSc in Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research). This course is available on the MSc in Development Management, MSc in Development Studies, MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Compulsary for MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban students without MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies.
Course content
This is a reading seminar course, organised around key works pertinent to cities, development and human geography. While by no means comprehensive, the syllabus provided in the first week of the course will detail some key debates in geography, urban studies and development studies, which we explore in some detail over the term. The readings will reflect a range of approaches to the disciplines of human geography, urban studies and development studies, in order to convey the dynamic interplay between these three areas of scholarship. Discussions with colleagues in these areas of research, alongside readings of foundational texts, will be aimed at exploring how theory and evidence connect in critical geographical research.
Teaching
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures, in-person lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
This course is delivered through a combination of interactive lectures across Michaelmas Term and Lent Term.
This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term and Lent Term.
Formative coursework
A 2,500 word essay
Indicative reading
Readings focused on in this course will vary from session to session. A detailed syllabus will be provided at the beginning of the course, but would include works such as T Cresswell (2013) Geographic Thought; D Gregory et al, The Dictionary of Human Geography (5th edn), 2009; D Harvey, Social Justice and the City, 2009; D Harvey, The Enigma of Capital, 2010; N Smith, Uneven Development, 2008; D Massey, Space, Place and Gender, 1994; E Soja, Seeking Spatial Justice, 2010; R Peet and M Watts, Liberation Ecologies, 2004; J Ferguson, The Antipolitics Machine, 1994; T Mitchell, Rule of Experts, 2002; A Roy, Poverty Capital, 2010; and D Gregory and Allan Pred, Violent Geographies, 2006.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 5000 words) in the ST.
Student performance results
(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 48.8 |
| Merit | 26.8 |
| Pass | 14.6 |
| Fail | 9.8 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Geography & Environment
Total students 2019/20: 24
Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable
Controlled access 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
