Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module GEOG2511: URBAN GEOGRAPHY

Department: Geography

GEOG2511: URBAN GEOGRAPHY

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce students to a range of debates in contemporary urban geography and cognate debates in urban studies
  • To enable students to appreciate and understand the changing economic, political, social and cultural character of cities in the 21st Century

Content

  • Urban theories
  • Urbanization in global north and global south
  • Urban economies
  • Poverty and infrastructure
  • Public space and spatial exclusions
  • Urban politics and policy

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 5 x A4 sides 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