The course investigates the city as a socio-olitical space: as place for politics and as context for urban policies. It first deepens the very concept of “city”, with particular focus on the concepts of public space, right to the city and quality of life; it then discusses methodologies for researching and planning the city, with case-studies from the Global North and South
• Knox, P. & Pinch, S. (2009), Urban social geography: an introduction, Routledge, London.
• Kitchin, R. & Tate, N.J., Conducting research in human geography: Theory, Methodology and Practice
More study materials will be provided at the beginning of the course
Learning Objectives
Knowledge: the students become acquainted with advanced notions in the field of urban theories and urban policies.
Competences: students will learn to critically reflect on the processes investing the contemporary city in a global perspective.
Capacity: students are introduced to field research and spatial management in urban contexts.
Prerequisites
Students are expected to be acquainted with the main theoretical and methodological approaches in Geography.
Teaching Methods
The course is based on seminar activity. Students will be requested to actively take part in the course with group presentations and discussion.
Further information
Attending classes is mandatory. Individual programs are permitted only in special cases.
Type of Assessment
Students will prepare, present and discuss a paper on a selected topic concerning urban geography.
Course program
The course focuses on the following topics:
- Urban theories and definitions
- City as social and political space
- Urban movements and the right to the city
- Urban public space and the quality of life
- Research methods in urban studies