Module GEOG1211: CITIES

Department: Geography

GEOG1211: CITIES

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

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

Content

• The module emphasises the historical and geographical diversity of cities and forms of urban life
• The module emphasises a variety of processes and diversity of places, combining detailed empirical accounts with the conceptual basis for comparative study
• Lectures will:
• discuss definitions of 'city', 'urban', 'urbanisation', and 'urbanism'
• outline debates about the distinctiveness of cities and urbanism
• outline debates about the origins of cities
• introduce urban geographical theory
• A variety of substantive topics will be explored to address the following cross-cutting themes:
• Cities and power
• Urban governance and politics
• The economic life of cities
• Cities, diversity and cultural change
• Urban social inequality and well-being
• Cities and sustainability
• Urban form and the built environment

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding of the range of processes affecting cities in diverse contexts
• Demonstrate knowledge of the broad patterns of spatial and historical variation in urbanisation
• Show awareness of the multiple dimensions and scales of urban processes and debates over processes creating geographies of difference and inequality in cities, and have an appreciation of change and stability, innovation and continuity in urban life
• Show detailed knowledge of urban examples from around the globe, situate these in a wider conceptual framework while reflecting on the place-specific outcomes of such processes
• Critically evaluate various sources of information on urban change

• Assessing the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and policies
• Critically judging and evaluating evidence
• Abstracting and synthesising information
• Developing a reasoned argument

• Learning and study
• Written communication
• Contextualising information

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

• Lectures are used to convey facts and concepts and to contribute to building knowledge and understanding
• 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
• Tutorials are used to develop deeper knowledge and understanding and the ability to assess theories and evaluate evidence
• The formatively assessed essay develops ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, to critically evaluate information, theories and evidence, to present a reasoned argument, to communicate ideas in writing
• The summatively assessed essay and the written examination assess ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, to critically evaluate information, theories and evidence, to present a reasoned argument, and to communicate ideas in writing

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Essay (4 pages)

■ 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