B8134 - Cities, Globalisation and Inequalities (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course investigates contemporary cities in both European and non-European contexts, reflecting on the effects of globalization processes and the emergence of inequalities in urban spaces. By the end of the course, students will have honed qualitative and quantitative methods for analyzing socio-political dynamics in contemporary urban space.

Course contents

The course is comprises 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, biopolitics and governamentality

Readings/Bibliography

ATTENDING STUDENTS

For attending students there will be readings that will be discussed in class and available on could sharing platform Virtuale. Further information and the login password will be indicated at the beginning of the course.

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS

For the preparation of their exam, non-attending students are required to study the following books:

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

2) Rossi U., Vanolo A., Nuova geografia politica urbana, Laterza, 2024

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

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

Power point presentations and bibliography on cloud sharing platform Virtuale is related to attending students programme.

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.

By reason of the teaching methods, registration of the lectures is not provided nor authorized 

Assessment methods

For attending students the assessment consists of two evaluations:

1) A short paper related to the topics and readings analysed during the course

2) A written exam with two open questions focussed on course topics

For non attending students the assessment consists of a written exam with three open questions, focussed on topics and subjects treated in the textbook and the other readings. The examination (one and half hour) takes place in a computer science laboratory, using the online platform EOL. To attend the exam, students' personal password is required to get access to computers and online platform.

For attending and non attending students, the assessment will consider:

1) the level of knowledge and critical understanding of the content addressed in the questions;

2) the strength of the argument and the capacity to identify links between the main topics discussed in the responses;

3) the use of the appropriate terminology.

I will assess with excellence grades the evidence of your acquisition of an exhaustive view of all the themes addressed and the capacity of dealing critically with them, in addition to the mobilization of a good written expression and correct use of specific terminology.

A mnemonic knowledge of the themes, accompanied by the capacity of analysis and synthesis expressed in appropriate language, will lead to average/good grades.

Lacunas in the key contents, and/or inappropriate language, in the context of a basic knowledge of the course's themes, will lead to grades that will not exceed the pass-mark (18 or so).

Lacunas, inappropriate language, lack of understanding of the course's materials will be assessed negatively. In case of fail grade, you will need to repeat the exam.

For attending students, active participation in class with questions and critical remarks will be appreciated.

Throughout the year, the following rounds of examinations are offered:

- November 2025 (for all students)

- January 2026 (for all students)

- March 2026 (for all students)

- April 2026 (for all students)

- June 2026 (for all students)

- September 2026 (for all students)

- December 2026 (students from the past year)

- January 2027 (students from the past year)

Teaching tools

Power point presentations and bibliography on cloud sharing platform Virtuale is related to attending students programme.

Power point presentations

Cartography

Cloud sharing platform

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Proto