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GY310      Half Unit
Urban Politics

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Murray Low

Availability

This course is available on the BA in Geography, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Environment and Development, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics and BSc in Geography with Economics. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Course content

This course covers theories and processes of contemporary urban development from a variety of perspectives – it aims to introduce students to key concepts in, and approaches to, politics in cities, as these have emerged and developed over time. Themes include, but are not limited to, political and economic power in cites, the role of ‘elites’, urban government finance, the politics of local economic development policy, the multidimensional role of culture in urban change, and the emergence of forms of urban governance. Case studies are largely drawn from cities in the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting the development of core ideas in mainstream urban politics largely in these contexts.

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 classes and lectures across Autumn Term.

 

This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.


Formative coursework

One essay plan due in the AT.


Indicative reading

  • David Harvey (2005) A Brief History of Neoliberalism.
  • Robert Dahl (1961) Who Governs?
  • Clarence Stone (1988) Regime Politics.
  • Sharon Zukin (1995) The Cultures of Cities.

Assessment

Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the WT.

Key facts

Department: Geography and Environment

Total students 2022/23: 48

Average class size 2022/23: 16

Capped 2022/23: No

Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (MT)

Value: Half Unit

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication