GEOG2080Cities and Regions

Course handbook

Description

Australian cities and regions are transforming and there is heated political debate about their future course. GEOG2080 examines the economic, social and cultural dynamics of cities and regions, and contemporary shifts in the theories through which we understand them. The course draws on a series of case studies of Australian and international cities, regions, industries, communities and policies to explain patterns of urban and regional growth and decline, change and continuity. Topics covered include: urban economic and socio-cultural diversity; changing urban form; sustainable urban and regional development; policy challenges for the management of urban; and regional growth and decline.

Availability

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. A grounding in the patterns and problems of urban and regional development and management

2. An understanding of the processes driving urban and regional economic, social and cultural transformation at a range of scales

3. An introductory understanding of a variety of theoretical approaches from which to investigate and evaluate urban and regional patterns, problems and processes

4. Developed of a range of skills and methods relevant to geographical enquiry and communication which are transferable to other course and employment areas. These include: critical analysis and evaluation of data sources (including policy documents and statistical measures of urban and regional development); the interpretation of field observations; and the presentation of material including report writing and essay writing

Content

Patterns of urban social and cultural diversity/inequality

1. Socio-spatial patterns of advantage and disadvantage
2. Urban ethnicity: patterns and representations
3. Gender and sexuality in the city

Urban development and urban form

1. Changing city form
2. The politics of urban development
3. Urban housing and social change

Urban planning and policy

1. Constructing urban planning
2. Responding to urban change

Regional development and change

1. Non-metropolitan regions
2. Growth and decline in 'the regions'
3. Theorising regional change

Regional policy

1. Changing approaches to regional policy
2. Dealing with uneven development in regional areas
3. Sustainable regional economies and communities

Regional diversity

1. Social groups in rural places
2. Indigenous people and non-metropolitan spaces

Assumed knowledge

GEOG1020 or GEOG1030 or EMGT1020/ENVS1004

Students enrolled in the B Arts - Human Geography and the Environment Major must have successfully completed GEOG1020.

Assessment items

Formal Examination: Final Examination

Report: Field Report

Essay: Essay

Compulsory Requirements

In order to pass this course, each student must complete ALL of the following compulsory requirements:

General Course Requirements:

• Field Study: Induction Requirement - Students must attend and pass the induction requirements before attending these sessions. - In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory fieldwork induction.

Contact hours

Callaghan