This course introduces new developments in health geography. It examines the contested nature of health as an aspect of social and spatial relations and identities. The paper draws on critical social theories, including feminist, Marxist, postmodernist, anti-racist, kaupapa Māori, post-colonial and queer theory, to explore the ways in which gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, (dis)ability, body size/shape and so on are integral to the social and cultural ordering of, and thinking about, health and place. What unites these various theories is precisely their critical stance vis-à-vis contemporary cultural, social, economic and political relations, and their resulting commitment to changing these relations for the better.

Drawing on new developments within contemporary health geography, this paper explores socio-spatial relations through examples drawn from a range of scales. Places discussed include the body, homes, neighbourhoods, institutions (such as schools, work and caring spaces), cities, rural spaces, and the globe. Particular attention is paid to the multiple ways in which places create and reflect social and physical well-being. These health geographies are discussed in relation to such things as the morphology of environments, the determination of personal safety, the experiences of marginalised communities, and the environmental and social aspects of spatial well-being. Instruction takes place through lectures and workshops. Discussion is encouraged, as is the formation of critical, independent ideas and opinions. Students are given the opportunity to learn independently and collaboratively in group settings via lectures, class activities and videos.

During the semester we will pay attention to a range of places including: ‘the body’, homes, institutions, communities, neighbourhoods, streetscapes, cities, rural spaces, tourism, and the globe. These spaces (people and places) have health and wellbeing values that are diverse and can be contested. Contestation and resistance often erupts because certain cultural values exclude, marginalise and oppress particular social groups. These ideas are worked through in relation to various aspects of health, place and identity such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, (dis)ability, and body size/shape at a range of scales from the local to the global.

The information you need to help you complete this course will be delivered in two main ways. First, through a series of lectures and activities carried out in class which will alert you to the main themes and ideas associated with this particular study of health geographies. You will be able to think about these ideas individually but also explore them in a group setting, drawing on observations, experiences and readings. Second, through a programme of directed reading which it is your responsibility to structure and which should feed into in-class discussions, activities, assignments and the exam.

• two two-hour slots which offer a combination of lectures, workshops and discussion of the relevant geographical literature
  

Exam
The final piece of assessment will be an exam. There is an opportunity for you to take part in a revision exercise in the final class on Thursday 10th October. This will help prepare you for the exam. The exam is worth 30% of the overall grade.

Format for exam:
• Section A: Short answer - definition of ten key terms (20 marks)
• Section B: Paragraphs - short explanations of five key concepts with examples (30 marks)
• Section C: Essay - choice of two topics (50 marks)

Lecture notes are available on Moodle for this paper. Also, we use Moodle to get in touch with class members about upcoming sessions or assignments etc. Therefore, we appreciate if you could please check Moodle regularly.

The University of Waikato is committed to upholding the highest degree of academic excellence for students enrolled in all its papers and programmes.
It is important that academic work submitted by students conforms to the Assessment Regulations which state that it is necessary to acknowledge the work of others used in an assessment item.
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http://online.waikato.ac.nz/wcel/services/moodle/help/assignments.shtml
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