Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module GEOG2511: URBAN GEOGRAPHY

Department: GEOGRAPHY

GEOG2511: URBAN GEOGRAPHY

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap 125. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce students to a range of debates in contemporary urban geography.
  • To enable students to understand the changing economic, political, social and cultural composition of cities.

Content

  • 1) Understanding 'the urban': Conventional Mappings of the City.
  • Urbanism as a 'Way of Life'.
  • Re-Thinking the spatiality of the City.
  • 2) Urban Economies: Industrial Cities.
  • Fordist/post-Fordist Cities.
  • Informational Cities.
  • 3) Urban Politics: Cities and 'Collective Consumption'.
  • Transitions in Urban Governance.
  • New Horizons in Urban Policy.
  • 4) Urban Cultures: Cities as Sits of Heritage.
  • Cultures of the Heteropolis.
  • 5) Conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students are expected to be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of a range of current debates in urban geography.
  • Understand a variety of approaches to urban geographical enquiry.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Critically evaluate available evidence on urban forms and processes.
  • Write effectively about these debates, approaches, forms and processes.
Key Skills:

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • Basic facts on urban geography are introduced and explained in lectures.
    • Concepts and approaches are introduced in lectures and discussed and developed in tutorials.
    • Factual understanding is tested in exams and coursework.
    • Critical evaluation and effective writing are tested in exams and coursework.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Lectures 15 c. weekly 2 30
    Tutorials 2 1 2
    Preparation and Reading 168
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Exam Component Weighting: 67%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    unseen exam 2 hours 100%
    Component: Essay Component Weighting: 33%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    essay 2000 words 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    In line with Board of Studies policy for all Level 2 optional modules, formative assessment is provided through formative feedback on summative coursework.


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University