SSC 242 Cities: A Global Perspective

Content

More than half of the globe’s population now lives in cities. But the experience of urbanism differs radically between cities, spaces within cities, and individuals. Urban geographers have been at the forefront of understanding the global and local processes shaping cities, of making sense of the urban experiences of a wide variety of social groups, and in analysing the economic and social problems confronting cities. This course aims to provide students with a solid grounding in the history, key concepts and major theories in urban studies, and with an understanding of the changing nature of cities across the globe.
The course is divided into three parts: An introductory part which provides students with the context for our further urban geographical enquiries; a second part dealing with aspects relating to urban form and structure; and a final part which examines qualitative aspects of cities, namely how people live in urban spaces. Within these three course components we investigate six main themes: Urban Theory; the City in History; Modern Architecture and Planning; Urban Restructuring; Segregation; and the Politics of Difference. Throughout the term we will thus address the changing social and cultural conditions within which urban places - cities, neighborhoods and buildings - are made and transformed.

Instructor

Dr. Fatima Müller-Friedman

Track

Global Studies

Period

Fall / 2011

Course Material

• Sandercock, L. (2004). Cosmopolis II: Mongrel Cities in the 21st Century. London: Continuum.
• Fyfe, N. & Kenny, J. (eds.) (2005). The Urban Geography Reader.  London: Routledge.
• Course Reader.

Prerequisites

One needs to have followed one of the following courses in order to take this course:

• SSC 111 Introduction to Sociology
• SSC 131 Introduction to Socio-Cultural Anthropology
• SSC 143 Introduction to Global Studies
• SSC 151 Introduction to Political Theory

Additional Prerequisites

Or by permission of the lecturer.

• This course is a recommended prerequisite for: SSC 341 Power and Space.
• This course is a required prerequisite for  SSC 348 Namibia Research Seminar and SSC 311 New Social Movements

Required for

This course is required in order to take the following course:

• SSC 334 Advanced Cultural Studies