Overview

This module provides an advanced introduction to the field of critical human geography, in relation to the ‘spatial turn’ across the social sciences. It focuses on the keywords of 'space', 'power' and 'ideology' around which many current debates in this field revolve. The module relates these concepts to themes of ‘place’, ‘violence,’ and ‘identity’, which are also central to these debates, and poses the following questions: How can we think critically about the power relations that structure our world? What is the role of space and place in the production and expression of these power relations? How should we understand ‘space’ and ‘place’, and how are they interrelated in conceptual and practical terms? How are our identities shaped by the spaces, places, and power relationships in which we find ourselves, and how does this differ across time and space? What is the role of ideology in the social construction of identity? 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? The opening lectures and seminars will explore these themes in broad conceptual terms. The remainder of the module will put the resulting conceptual apparatus to work in the analysis of the complex and contested spatial politics of our times, including neoliberalism, development, populism, racism, consumerism, charity, environmentalism, extractivism, and utopian dreams of alternative futures.

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

This module provides an advanced introduction to the field of critical human geography, in relation to the ‘spatial turn’ across the social sciences. It focuses on the keywords of 'space', 'power' and 'ideology' around which many current debates in this field revolve. The module relates these concepts to themes of ‘place’, ‘violence,’ and ‘identity’, which are also central to these debates, and poses the following questions: How can we think critically about the power relations that structure our world? What is the role of space and place in the production and expression of these power relations? How should we understand ‘space’ and ‘place’, and how are they interrelated in conceptual and practical terms? How are our identities shaped by the spaces, places, and power relationships in which we find ourselves, and how does this differ across time and space? What is the role of ideology in the social construction of identity? 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? The opening lectures and seminars will explore these themes in broad conceptual terms. The remainder of the module will put the resulting conceptual apparatus to work in the analysis of the complex and contested spatial politics of our times, including neoliberalism, development, populism, racism, consumerism, charity, environmentalism, extractivism, and utopian dreams of alternative futures.

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

• To critically engage with key geographical concepts concerning the relationship between 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 develop and present an independent critical analysis of a specific case relating to a central theme of the module and located in the literature on human geography, in the form of an essay.

• To synthesise and appraise central contemporary issues in the field of critical human geography, deciphering the role of power relations in the production of diverse social spaces, and discerning the processes of struggle and resistance through which such processes are contested.

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