Course coordinator
Mrs Sara Mejia Munoz
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Social Science School
This course draws on classic and contemporary sociological theories to examine the dimensions of urban change, both in Australia and globally. Topics include the social origins of the modern city, megacities, the postmodern city, suburbanisation, gentrification and the emergence of private or gated communities.
Over half of the world's population lives in cities and around 75 percent of Australia's population. ﾠHow we use space in cities has a profound effect on the ways in which we live and relate to each other. Our use of space, our patterns and modes of human settlement are not just reflections of our economic, social and political relations; they have a fundamental effect on how those relations are practised and embodied. ﾠSocial norms, practices and traditions are shaped by place and space, from the quiet and familiar suburbs to the brash and sometimes brutal social norms of the big city ways we interact and support each other, and our life chances are strongly influenced by the nature of the place we call home, whether it is a suburb, the inner city or a squatter settlement.ﾠ
In this course, we will take both an Australian and a global view of the city. We will take a historical perspective of human interaction with space, closely linking the city with the great temporal transitions from traditional society to modernity and to post modernity; from agrarian to industrial to post-industrial modes of production and consumption; and the ways in which the spatial logic of human settlement influences advantage and disadvantage,ﾠtaste, culture and social practices.
Course Delivery: This course is delivered as a 3 hour face-to-face Seminar.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There is no assumed knowledge or pre-requisteﾠfor this course.
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries School of Social Science
Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia campus, The University of Queensland.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Course staff
Lecturer
Mrs Sara Mejia Munoz
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of SOCY2340 is to provide students with foundational knowledge about, and analytical skills to interpret, the important social processes and structures that constitute urban spaces and places. The course will apply ideas of space, place, community, inequality and other themes to urban and suburban spaces. The course will expose students to the historical antecedents of pre-modern, modern and post modern forms of human settlement and community using examples from Australia and beyond. Literature and resources used will be a balance of established urban theory and more applied case studies. Students completing this course will be able to apply these concepts and experiences to help them understand the ways in which people live and relate to each other in urban space.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate a familiarity with the key theories and debates that have emerged within the fields of urban sociology;
LO2.
Identify the connections between local (urban) and global processes. This includes understanding the dimensions of lived space and the impacts that processes such as industrialisation, globalisation and postmodernity have had on them;
LO3.
Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of Australian cities, suburbs and identify how the Australian experience of urban life differs from and resembles other countries;
LO4.
Demonstrate sound analytical skills, and a developed 'sociological imagination', by identifying how peoples experiences of urban life are both influenced by, and also affect, factors such as social class, race, age, gender and consumption;
LO5.
Communicate sociological understandings and analyses of the city to both professional/academic and lay audiences in a variety of media.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Reflections - 7 x Padlet Digital Reflections | 60% |
Week 2 - Week 12
Each Padlet reflection is due at 2pm one day before the following Seminar class. |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition |
Critical mini-documentary
|
40% |
30/10/2025 2:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Reflections - 7 x Padlet Digital Reflections
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
Week 2 - Week 12
Each Padlet reflection is due at 2pm one day before the following Seminar class.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Padlet Digital Reflections
This assessment is worth 60% of your semester marks
Assessment: 7 weekly reflections for the 10 topics between weeks 2 and 12
Weeks 2, 3 and 8 are compulsory - you can then choose which four of the remaining seven topics to submit.
Length of contribution: 300-500 words each week, as well as other media.
Marks:
Possible marks = 60 (8.6 x 7 reflections).
If you fail to complete a compulsory reflection, that reflection will be included as one of your total reflections with zero marks.
What’s a Padlet digital story?
Padlet is a UQ online application featuring a virtual wall that allows you to post contributions each week to the same Padlet page.
Each week you will add a Padlet reflection of 300 – 500 words in length
For more information on Padlet and how to install it and use it, see https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/collaborative-tools/padlet. You will be introduced to Padlet in Week 1.
How do I do it?
Each reflection journal entry will be based on the topic for that week of the course. It will be up to you what particular ideas, issues, theories and real world examples you write about. Instructions:
- Write in the first person (me, I)
- For academic references, use only the Blackboard resources provided for each topic (readings, videos, lecture notes, additional resources)
- Demonstrate that you understand a particular aspect of the week’s topic by describing and reflecting on it. You don't need to cover the entire week's content. You should choose a particular aspect of the week's material and deal with it more comprehensively (i.e. go for depth rather than breadth)
- Apply what you have learnt to a ‘real world’ example. This can be something you have experienced yourself, something you have read about or seen in the news – anything that has happened or exists in the world around you.
- Use the features of the padlet to introduce any visual representations – photos, short videos, diagrams, artwork - be creative!
How is it assessed?
How will I be marked?
Your marker will award marks for the following:
- demonstrated understanding of the topic and reading beyond the lecture notes
- creativity in applying your sociological imagination to everyday examples
- written expression and imaginative use of media
Your individual contribution will be marked on the quality of the research that went into it (i.e. engagement with, and understanding of, readings, lecture materials, and other sources), your presentation of materials and, importantly, your willingness to reflect on the material rather than just summarise it.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions/clarify during our first class and I will post an example Padlet contribution on Blackboard. I will also post examples of high scoring contributions (with students' permission) during the early weeks of the semester to allow you to learn from others' work.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics for this course are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Each Padlet reflection is due one day before the following workshop at 2pm. (e.g. the first Padlet story, based on Week 2 material, is due by the day before our Week 3 seminar). Create and submit your Padlet story through the Padlet UQ website: padletuq.padlet.org . Further instructions will be provided on Blackboard and in week 1 of class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Critical mini-documentary
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
30/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
AI Use: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that using AI technologies to develop this assessment is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code, which includes AI- Conduct. This includes the use of AI-generated VoiceOver.
This assessment is worth 40 percent of your total semester marks.
Because this course is about space and place and how social relations are made possible in space and place, this assessment lets you use both video and commentary to create a 7-10 minute critical mini-documentary about an urban place of your choosing.
The purpose of the assessment is for you to apply what you have learnt during the semester to a place in the city you chose (not a whole city), effectively telling a story about that place but using the sociological concepts we discussed during the semester. We will have plenty of time to think and discuss this assessment and choose your place during the semester, and more details will be available on Blackboard. You will receive training in how to script and storyboard your video, as well as how to shoot effective video with your smartphone and basic video editing using free software.
- You can cooperate with other students, friends and family for production, props, interviewees etc, but the final product must be your work
Note: For identity verification purposes, you need to speak to the camera for at least 30 seconds in each: (1) during the introduction (2) in location at your selected place and (3) during the conclusion of your documentary.
For this assessment, you need only a smartphone to record video and audio. Place selection, creativity, and conceptual content will be assessed rather than technical video production proficiency.
- Videos should be uploaded by the due date.. Instructions on how to do this will be available on Blackboard.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Hurdle requirements
Students must achieve 40 percent (16/40) in this assessment to pass the course. If you score less than 16/40 in this assessment, the maximum grade you can achieve for the course is 3, regardless of your cumulative score achieved in other assessments during the semester.Submission guidelines
Assessment to be uploaded by the due date, a link will be provided on Blackboard.
By uploading your assignment via Blackboard, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ.
Additional assessment information
Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments
Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.
Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
All reading resources can be found on Blackboard in 'Learning Resources'
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
Introduction: The city and us The purpose of this first week is to provide students with an overview of the course content, assessment and objectives. An introduction to the major themes will be provided as well as a discussion outlining just what we understand a city to be. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
Space and place We will explore some of the basic sociological concepts that inform urban sociology, that is, how a space can be made social , how spaces become places , and the importance of who or what creates those places. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
Home and community We will explore some of the basic sociological concepts that inform urban sociology, that is, how a space can be made social , how spaces become places , and the importance of who or what creates those places. We also explore the ways that humans live in homes and the importance attached to them; and finally the concept of community, its myriad meanings and how and why it is invoked so often in contemporary Western society. These are all concepts that will be re-visited throughout the coming weeks and the purpose is to provide you with a good foundation for the remainder of your study this semester. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Seminar |
Historical Roots and the 20th Century city This week we look at the social history of the city. We will focus mainly on the city as we recognise it today, the form that emerged after the industrial revolution. In the twentieth century the great modernist project came of age. The city of the industrial revolution took on many of its current-day characteristics, and this is the century in which the Australian city as we recognise it emerged. The twentieth century also saw the maturation of urban sociology as a discipline and we will discuss some important theoretical concepts in 20th and 21st Century urban sociology. We will also have a presentation from Itali on scriptwriting and storyboarding this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
Gentrification & change Governments at every level has made a commitment to the compact city , where existing infrastructure and urban space is used to increase population density rather than adding to the existing urban sprawl. There are social consequences to this policy and this week we will use Peter Walters' research in West End to explore the nature of an inner city urban community, issues of lifestyle, gentrification and how, and why, residents resist and adapt to change. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
A suburban world and The Australian Dream What is suburb? Why are they important? This century, according to many commentators is the. Century of the suburb and suburban life is how most urban dwellers will experience the city in the 21st Century. This week we examine why this is important, then focus on the unique place that the suburb has in Australian life. We will also have a presentation from Itali on smartphone videography and editing this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
Privatopias: The disappearing public realm This week we take a closer look at the concept of the public realm and the tensions that arise between access for all to the space in a city and private property rights. We examine some recent and not so recent phenomena in urban development - the gated community and the master planned estate , as well as the shopping mall; all created by capital for the more or less exclusive use of residents. We will use examples from both Australia and the US to show how these places appeal to the postmodern concept of the biographical construction of their target markets and discuss what sort of contribution is made to the commons by these places. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Seminar |
Documentary week Now that you have completed your script ands storyboarding for you mini documentary, you can use this week to make a start on your site work and become familiar with the editing process. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Seminar |
Marginalisation and the indigenous city This week, we investigate the city with a focus on indigenous people, both in Australia and overseas, to try and understand more about how the original inhabitants see urban places shaped by others. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Seminar |
Informality and and the Southern City This week we turn our attention to how the majority of the worlds urban population live - in the cities of the global south. We focus on the 'informal city', slums and slum life and the idea of the 'urban subaltern'. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Seminar |
Migration and the City This week, we will explore the impact of mass migrations on cities, communities, and the fate of migrants themselves. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Seminar |
The City and the Environment The city is seen as both the cause and possibly the saviour for current environmental challenges facing our planet. This week we look at the ways in which cities and various forms of living might contribute to environmental problems, the ways that planning and development might address these problems and the associated social conditions and consequences that we must consider. We will use examples from around the world and discuss their relevance to Australian urban conditions and practises. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.