GY439 Half Unit
Cities, Politics and Citizenship
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Murray Low STC.S.512
Availability
This course is available on the MPA in International Development, MPA in Public Policy and Management, MPA in Public and Economic Policy, MPA in Public and Social Policy, MPA in Social Impact, MSc in City Design and Social Science, MSc in Culture and Society, MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research), MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies, MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Urbanisation and Development. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
Perspectives on contemporary urban politics. The course will equip students interested in urban change and development to understand and critically assess the variety of ways in which urban politics and policies are imagined and discussed in universities as well as in the world of policy. It will also develop their understandings of key debates and themes in contemporary urban political life.
Topics covered will include: imagining urban politics; theories of urban politics, 'globalisation' and urban political life; urban governance; civil society and urban social movements; urban dimensions of citizenship and migration; policing, violence and urban politics; urban politics and ‘neoliberalism.’
Teaching
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures, in-person lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
This course is delivered through a combination of interactive lectures across Lent Term.
This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Lent Term
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 piece of coursework in the LT.
Indicative reading
J Borja and M Castell, Local and Global, 1997; J Davies and D
Imbroscio, eds., Theories of Urban Politics (2nd Edition), 2009; M
Douglass and J Friedmann, eds., Cities for Citizens, 1998; D Judge, G
Stoker and H Wolman, eds, Theories of Urban Politics, 1995; P Le Galegrave;s,
European Cities, 2002; L Sandercock, Towards Cosmopolis, 1998; S. Sassen
Territory, Authority, Rights, 2006; M P Smith, Translocal Urbanism,
2001.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Student performance results
(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 26.8 |
| Merit | 43.9 |
| Pass | 22 |
| Fail | 7.3 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Geography & Environment
Total students 2019/20: 16
Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable
Controlled access 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
