Explorations: Space and Place

Code

LIBA1001

School

Liberal Arts

Level

1

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

On this module, students will examine interdisciplinary approaches to ideas of space and place. Thinking about these two mutually-informed concepts, this module will enable students to develop an understanding of the ways in which we interact with the world that surrounds us on various scales, moving from the private places of home, through the public place of the city, to the open space of the environment. Throughout, students will be encouraged to think creatively and critically about the ways in which ideas of space and place intersect with broader discourses of individual, cultural and political identities and inform ongoing debates about privacy and surveillance, accessibility, globalisation, transportation, environmental crises, resource management and protest movements. As the module progresses, students will be encouraged to develop and pursue individual applications of their understanding of the central concepts of space and place by drawing together their interdisciplinary studies in other subject areas. 

Topics covered include: 

- Theorisations of space and place from various disciplines (philosophy, sociology, geography, history, literature, visual culture, psychology, environmental sciences) 

- The home; the city; liminal spaces; the environment 

- Modes of navigating and mapping ideas of space and place 

A coursework/assignment assessment will replace all failed assessment components at the reassessment stage.

Target Students

Only available to Liberal Arts students and Exchange students.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

It is essential to the design and delivery of this module that ¬all seminars are scheduled after the lecture. The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: Group coursework (1000 words per person)
• 50% Coursework 2: Individual Coursework (2,000 - 2,500 words)

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Throughout this module, students will: 

• develop an understanding of ideas of space and place from a thoroughly interdisciplinary perspective 

• understand the wide-ranging implications of these conceptualisations of space and place

• think critically and respond creatively to traditions of thought and cultural conventions

• be supported to develop and pursue individual responses to module themes 

• provide support and guidance to their peers 

• develop and enhance collaborative working practices

The learning outcomes for this module will include:

1. Knowledge and understanding:

• Students will learn how to think globally and to develop a global awareness
• Students will develop key skills in comparative analysis and planning solutions

2. Intellectual skills:

• Students will be able to consider perspectives from across the world
• Students will be able to examine how they can effect change for cities through thinking globally

3. Professional skills

• Management and innovation
• Strategy and decision-making

4. Transferable skills

• Research and analysis methods
• Leadership skills
• Problem-solving techniques

Throughout this module, students will gain a knowledge and understanding of:

• the ways in which ideas of space and place shape interpersonal, intercultural, and political relationships in a thoroughly globalised world

• the ways in which a diverse range of disciplines have sought to represent ideas of space and place in a variety of modes and media

Throughout this module, students will be supported to enhance and develop their intellectual skills of: 

• interdisciplinary analysis

• critical reading and reflection 

• creative and innovative responses to key challenges 

• intercultural awareness

This module will enable students to demonstrate and enhance the professional and transferable skills in: 

• analysing ideas and information 

• research 

• time management 

• digital media and literacies 

• written communication 

• communication of ideas 

• feedback and feedforward

• collaborative working 

• peer support 

Conveners

• Dr Polly Mcmichael
• Christopher Thornhill