Module GEOG2511: URBAN GEOGRAPHY

Department: Geography

GEOG2511: URBAN GEOGRAPHY

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to a range of debates in 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

• The module will address key themes in urban geography, for example:
• Theories and concepts of urbanization and urbanism
• Urbanization in the global north and global south
• The city and mental life
• Urban infrastructure and inequalities
• Public space and spatial exclusions
• Global cities and smart cities
• Urban economies
• Urban communities and diversity
• Urban politics and policy

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of a range of debates in urban geography
• Understand the range of perspectives and approaches to urban geographical enquiry
• Appreciate diverse perspectives and challenges faced by urban communities and stakeholders

• On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Critically evaluate available evidence on urban forms and processes
• Discuss and write effectively about these debates, approaches, forms and processes

• On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate expertise in critical reflection and analysis
• Communicate critical urban geographical analysis through written/oral/visual modes
• Evaluate evidence from a range of sources (academic, media, social media, governmental and other institutional sources)
• Demonstrate ability to formulate critical and sophisticated arguments from the above-mentioned sources
• Demonstrate capacity to improve their own independent learning and performance by gathering information from a range of bibliographic and electronic sources with a view to the critical appraisal of a particular topic
• Demonstrate a range of skills including the ability to evaluate and synthesise information obtained from a variety of sources
• Demonstrate capacity to evaluate the merits of contrasting theoretical and conceptual approaches

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

• Basic facts on urban geography and urban development processes are introduced and explained in lectures
• Concepts and alternative academic approaches are introduced in lectures and discussed and developed in tutorials and through formative feedback
• Directed online active learning tasks (e.g. discussion boards, quizzes), which will help students to build on their knowledge and clarify understanding developed through lectures and tutorials
• Factual understanding, critical evaluation of diverse perspectives and effective writing are tested in exams and summative assignments.
• Communication skills in oral and visual modes will be developed through group presentation work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment is provided through feedback on directed online active learning tasks. Feedback on discussion board contributions will be aimed at developing understanding of specific topics and concepts covered in lectures and stretching their theoretical and empirical understanding through additional resources (e.g. short videos, consultancy/policy/NGO reports, reflections on current events). Feedback is also provided through small group discussions in the tutorials occurring throughout the module. Feedback provided during the group presentation task (1st summative) will contribute to students’ development of their individual essay (2nd summative) on a linked topic. .

■ 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