ATS3229 · Cities, globalisation and sustainability

Overview

We are living in The Urban Century and Cities are the key to sustainable futures! Cities are dynamic and complex environments that are vital centres of socio-economic activity and engines of economic growth (and decline). With more than half of the world's population now living in cities, they pose major challenges for the sustainable livelihoods of diverse urban populations, as well as for sustainable socio-ecological development on a global scale. In this unit, you will learn about the uneven transformations of cities through time and space, and be inspired by their transformative potential. Using a geographical perspective, we will investigate the urban process and its governance in the context of contemporary globalization, and how these intersect with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We will examine how differentiated livelihood possibilities and practices in cities from the Global North and South have been shaped by (historical) processes, local policies and initiatives, as well as by the transformative possibilities of citizen action. We will cover a range of topics including urban governance and planning, social difference and (in)equality, economy and finance, infrastructure, logistics and digitalization, and sustainability, environment and health. This is an enquiry-based unit that provides opportunities for you to gain hands-on skills and experience in geographical research, analysis, critical thinking and effective writing.

Areas of study: Geographical science Human geography International studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and apply key concepts and theories in urban geography;
2. evaluate major debates about urbanization, globalization and sustainable development through a critical analytical lens;
3. explain urban sustainability in relation to the environment, economy, society and politics;
4. critically evaluate urban policies, practices and imaginaries shaping (un)sustainability and explain the historical processes and practices that create inequalities across a variety of urban contexts;
5. design, apply and communicate Human Geography research in practice.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.