Wilkeson 118
Phone: (716) 645-2722 ext. 25
Office Hours: Wednesdays 10-12 or by appointment
E-mail: mcope@buffalo.edu
How has broader social theory affected Geography?
How does a geographic perspective influence our understanding of social theory?
We will read through these intersections by examining the following approaches
and perspectives:
humanist geography and phenomenology
marxist geography
structuration theory and realism
feminist geographies (and other 'others')
postmodern geographies
post-structuralism and post-colonialism
qualitative methods and issues of representation
using social theory in research and action
social-spatial constructions of space, place, identity, knowledge, and power
Required Books: (Available at Talking Leaves Bookstore and on-line booksellers of your choice)
Please note: I am completely overhauling the reading list for 2006 -- all new stuff! We'll cover most of the same topics as in previous years but have expanded the section on identity, power, and space and added new sections on research and activism. The required texts are listed below and all have been ordered to Talking Leaves on Main St. near South Campus. We will read selections from them each week and also read one or two key articles per week which will be available through UBLearns.
- Dictionary of Human Geography (Johnston et al.) Blackwell, 4th edition. ISBN: 0631205616
- Spaces of Geographical Thought (Cloke & Johnston) Sage. ISBN: 0761947329
- Key Thinkers on Space and Place (Hubbard, Kitchen, & Valentine) Sage ISBN: 0761949631
- Approaches to Human Geography (Aitken & Valentine) Sage -- to be available in mid-Feb.
Evaluation:
Class discussions and presentations = 25%
Critiques (due via UBLearns by Thursdays at NOON) = 15%
Mid-term Paper = 30%
Final Paper & Presentation = 30%
Expectations:
Class discussions and presentations
Participants will come to class prepared to discuss that day's reading assignments. Responsibility for leading discussions will rotate among participants.
Critiques
These are brief, critical thought pieces written in reaction to the week's readings. They are not merely summaries, but rather aim to find common themes or concerns in the readings, to critique the research, and/or to raise new questions about the ideas and methods used in the research. The critiques should generally be a few paragraphs, but not more than one page in length. They are due by NOON Thursdays, via UBLearns. Discussion leaders do not need to write critiques for their assigned weeks.
Mid-Term Paper - Due March 10th (click here for assignment)
This paper should demonstrate critical thought and analysis, careful writing, and proper style and referencing techniques. Use the journal articles we are reading as guides for style and organization. The paper should be approximately 8-10 pages in length.
Final
Paper - Due May 5th
This is your chance to explore geography and social theory as they relate
to your own area(s) of interest. The topics are wide open, however, the
structure should follow this model: First, take your topic or area of interest
and critically evaluate it from the perspective of one or more of the areas of
social theory we have covered in class (for example, feminism, realism,
postmodernism). Second, turn the evaluation around and, using the insights
gained from exploring your topic, critically discuss the merits, weaknesses,
gaps, or faults of the area of social theory you have chosen. Incorporated into
the paper should be appropriate literature reviews, empirical evidence, methods
statements, and integrative conclusions. I encourage you to talk with me about
your topic, finding appropriate resources, and the organization of your paper.