Geography

Geographies of Cities and Mobilities

Module code: 017GRS
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar, Fieldwork
Assessment modes: Essay

Over half of the world’s population lives in cities. By 2050, this is projected to rise to more than two-thirds, with much of that growth in African and Asian cities.

Cities are the ideal place to explore the dynamic geographies of how people live together in an increasingly connected world. On this module, you’ll examine social, cultural and urban geographies, alongside migration and mobility studies. You’ll explore city lives, politics and the cultural diversity inherent to many urban spaces.

We’ll analyse how factors such as class, ethnicity, political affiliation, religion, gender, location and age shape the way people interpret and experience cities.

You’ll investigate how urban places and spaces are shaped by:

• colonial and postcolonial histories
• global neo-liberalism
• resistance movements
• residents’ everyday lives.

We’ll debate topical urban issues and explore a range of methods and theoretical approaches for understanding geographies of cities and mobilities.

 

Module learning outcomes

• Identify and describe a selection of theories and concepts that have been used to explain the social and cultural geography of cities
• Discuss many of the global social and cultural connections that shape everyday life in cities
• Analyse an urban issue using an appropriate theoretical framework, whilst recognising its limitations
• Develop a line of argument in written answers to set questions