90041 - Urban Geography (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The student develops a full comprehension about cities evolution and the dynamics of urban centralisation and decentralisation. He/she understands the functioning of the European urban systems and the relation between national and European dimension. Moreover, students acquire theoretical aspects and methodologies - also related to field research - regarding urban territorial processes. They also know and understand different phenomena related to urban space social construction and to the latest transformations that characterise city structure and its social component.

Course contents

The course is organized in two parts. The first part provides a theoretical introduction to socio-historical research in the field of urban geography, with a specific focus on European cities. The course firstly presents the most relevant theoretical paradigms related to research in urban studies. It provides a critical geo-historical analysis of urban evolution and of the socio-spatial dimension of the European city since ancient time to the present.

The second part is dedicated to contemporary city and it introduces to sources and methodologies to investigate urban space. Related topics are: the right to the city in the neoliberal context, spatial justice and the city, social inequalities, urban regeneration, gentrification and touristification in contemporary cities.

Readings/Bibliography

ATTENDING STUDENTS

For attending students bibliography will be communicated at the beginning and during the course

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS

Non-attending students are required to study 3 books:

1) Giovannini C., La Geografia urbana, Bruno Mondadori, 2013

2) Soja E., Dopo la metropoli, Patron 2008

3) Choose one book between:

- Schlögel K., Arcipelago Europa. Viaggio nello spirito delle città, Bruno Mondadori, 2011- Castells M., La città delle reti, Marsilio, 2004

- Castells M., La città delle reti, Marsilio, 2004

- Sassen S., Le città nell'economia globale, Il Mulino, 2010

- Amin A., Thrift N., Ripensare la dimensione urbana, Il Mulino, 2005

Teaching methods

The course is organized with lectures and seminars where the students participate at least as actively as the teacher. In the first lesson the lecturer gives information about bibliography and other teaching tools and instruments, which students have to analyse. Books, journal articles, maps, etc. become subject for the debate in the following lessons.

Attending students should therefore regularly be present at the course, at least more than 75% of the lessons.

The course provides for lectures as well as seminars with debate and discussion. Text reading is expected (books, journal articles, book chapters) and these bibliographical sources are commented and analyzed during the lessons. During the course is provided also field research.

Assessment methods

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

ATTENDING STUDENTS

Attending students have to elaborate an original paper related to one of the topics examined during the course. Paper subject will be previously discussed with the professor. The student will receive additional indication and bibliography to develop the paper. The paper will be presented and discussed with the professor.

Final evaluation will consider paper originality, the capacity to exploit a proper vocabulary, relevant for urban geography as well as a correct written expression. Also the ability to interact in the debate during the course will be considered as part of the final grade.

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS

For non-attending students is expected a written test concerning the study of the books in bibliography. Final evaluation will consider the capacity to understand and explain theories and case studies presented in the books, as well as a correct oral expression and proper vocabulary.

FINAL GRADES

Perfect and critical interpretation of the arguments and proper vocabulary and enunciation: excellent (27≤30L)

Concise and rote learning presentation, less original: between good (24≤26) and passable ((21≤23)

Minimal exposition and poor originality: passing grade (18≤20)

Teaching tools

Power point presentations

Cartography

Cloud sharing platform

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Proto