Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module GEOG1211: CITIES: FROM THE GREEKS TO GLOBALISATION

Department: Geography

GEOG1211: CITIES: FROM THE GREEKS TO GLOBALISATION

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Open 1 20 Available in 2006/2007 None. Durham

Pre-requisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations

  • None.

Aims

  • The module introduces the complexity and variety of cities and city life across a wide geographical and historical span.

Content

  • The module is based on an examination of the different kinds of cities that have emerged throughout world history.
  • The course progresses in broadly chronological terms, focusing on particular cities which typify certain styles and stages of urbanisation.
  • The module emphasises a variety of processes and diversity of places, combining detailed empirical accounts with the conceptual basis for comparative study.
  • Module outline: Cities before capitalism: ancient and medieval urbanisation.
  • Capitalism, industrialisation and modernisation.
  • Colonisation and immigration.
  • Globalisation and post-modernity.
  • Risky cities and the urban environment.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • On successful completion of this module students will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the range of processes affecting cities in both historical and contemporary contexts.
  • Show detailed knowledge of urban examples and situate these in a wider conceptual framework.
  • Critically evaluate various sources of information on urban change.
Subject-specific Skills
Key Skills

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

  • The module is based on 20 two hour lecture sessions.
  • These provide the context in which facts and introductory concepts, contributing to building knowledge and understanding, are conveyed.
  • Lectures are supported by slides, overheads and video clips, and some participatory activities.
  • Full reading lists provide students with the means to undertake independent study and learning.
  • Formative assessment is provided in the first or second term through an essay plan which is marked and returned to the students for discussion.
  • Summative assessment is based on an unseen examination paper designed to assess students&#039.
  • acquisition of the learning outcomes.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 20 Weekly 2 hours 40
Preparation and Reading 160
Total 200

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Examination 100% three-hour written examination 100%

Formative Assessment

Essay plan.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.