The course consists of two parts: an introductory part and an in-depth part. In the introductory part, the current urbanization dynamics are analyzed with reference to historical precedents. The dynamics of urbanization are linked to large-scale problems that will be discussed with the students. In the in-depth part, students will study a specific theme that can change from year to year.
Text book:
Fox, S. and Goodfellow, T. (2016). Cities and Development. Routledge.
Additional Reference Texts:
Edensor, T. and Jayne, M (2012) Urban Theory Beyond the West: A World of Cities. London: Routledge
Jacobs, Jane (1961) The Death and Life of Great American Cities. London: Penguin Books
Mitlin, D. and Satterthwaite, D. (2013) Urban Poverty in the Global South; Scale and Nature. Abingdon: Routledge
Perlman, J.E. and UN-HABITAT (2014) Urban Informality: Marginal or Mainstream? New York: UN-Habitat
Roy, A. and AlSayyad, N. (eds) (2004) Urban Informality: Transnational Perspectives from the Middle East, Latin America, and South Asia. New York: Lexington Books.
Townsend, A.M. (2013) Smart Cities: Big Data, Civi Hackers, and the Quest for a New Utopia. New York: W.W. Norton & Company
Learning Objectives
Knowledge: The course provides a basic knowledge of the evolutionary principles of urbanization and its consequences.
Skills: the course prepares students for critical understanding of urban policies and the importance of planning models.
Skills: the course introduces students to the critical evaluation of the analysis of urban phenomena with particular attention to developing countries.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of the main developments of modern western thought in the field of human sciences is required. A basic knowledge of the theoretical and methodological approaches of geography is required.
Teaching Methods
The first part of the course consists of lectures and class discussions of topics contained in the textbook and assigned in the classroom. In particular, students are introduced to the motivations and development of the modern and contemporary city and analysis of the problems of unplanned human settlements in developing countries. In the second part, each student will conduct research on a topic assigned in the classroom. Detailed information will be provided at the moment.
Attendance is highly recommended.
Type of Assessment
Student learning will be appraised according to the following:
- class discussion: 20%
- mid-term assignment: 20%
- final assignment: 20%
- research essay: 40%
Course program
The first part of the course is dedicated to the deepening and discussion of the topics contained in the textbook, with particular reference to specific cases. Students are invited to relate to experiences of personal knowledge regarding the topics discussed. To prepare for the exams, knowledge of the contents of the textbook is required. The written tests consist of questions to which the student will answer in a direct and synthetic way, demonstrating the acquisition of what was discussed in class and contained in the text.
The second part of the course consists in the production of the research essay. Precise information will be given in this regard. During this period, students will be able to make use of reviews during which to discuss with the teacher the contents, methodology and progress of the research.