GEOG1002 Human Geography: Geographies of Oppression

This topic will change the way you think about geography. It examines relationships between geography and "the five faces of oppression", namely exploitation, marginalisation, cultural imperialism, powerlessness and violence. We examine critically and carefully the often unseen ways in which geography is enmeshed in the oppression of groups (e.g. workers, 'racial' minorities, LGBTI, women) through every day, and often taken-for-granted, practices. These five faces of oppression underpin a great deal of recent work in human geography. Moreover, their understanding is vital to the kind of employment many of you will take up as well as to understanding and participating in the societies of which you are a part. As well as these ideas, the topic offers structured opportunities to develop key skills transferable to other topics as well as to employment.

The topic aims to develop an understanding of urban development and change in the contemporary world, organised around the theme of cities as human environments. The topic begins with a brief examination of the history of urbanisation in the Western world in general and Australia in particular. It then concentrates upon contemporary urban development issues with major - but not exclusive - emphasis upon the Australian experience. Themes dealt with include the impacts of globalisation, demographic change and technological change, the search for environmentally sustainable urban development, issues of affordability, appropriateness and equity in access to housing, the causes and consequences of inequality and social exclusion in cities, issues of urban government, and planning for the future.

1. Define Geography and explain the scope of its inquiry
2. Discuss relationships between geography and the five faces of oppression (namely, exploitation, marginalisation, cultural imperialism, powerlessness and violence)
3. Find and make practical use of online information
4. Communicate effectively in written and graphical formats
5. Work effectively in groups and individually