The analytical focus of this module is to understand how cities function and operate. In drawing upon the urban geography literature it addresses the following issues: conceptualising and theorising urban space/place, how towns and cities function and operate, spatial relations and structures, issues of economy, power and socio-spatial inequalities; urban policy attempts at combating uneven development, inequality and regeneration strategies; and social justice in the form of social exclusion, the underclass and polarisation. In this sense, the module has strong theoretical, conceptual and empirical components in seeking to develop an understanding of the dynamics of cities and urban spaces and places.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the kinds of factors which have been influential in shaping the spatial structure of contemporary capitalist cities
2. Engage in debates about the significance of the social construction of place
3. Evaluate the spatial implications of urban policy and planning initiatives

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, class debates/quizzes and guided independent study.

Whilst studying this module, students will practice and develop the following skills:

1. Analytical skills
2. Group working
3. Presentation of ideas
4. Responding to feedback

Students will be assessed through two mechanisms. The first is a group presentation. Feedback on this presentation will provide the students with an opportunity to develop their thoughts in their second assignment; an individual essay.

If any students with disability are not able to participate fully in the group work, appropriate individual coursework will be set instead.

This module begins with an introduction to key Geographical concepts of space and place that shape the way we understand cities. We then consider the different scales at which cities operate; examining at one extreme the impacts of globalisation and at the other the existence of communities and neighbourhoods within cities. The module then considers the importance of individual and collective identities within the city before examining the politics of people and place.

The second half of the module assesses how cities sell themselves and compete on a global scale. It then gives consideration to processes of gentrification and the associated issue of inequality in cities. The module examines the relationship between crime and the city before finally discussing some of the particular geographies of the Third World City.

Key reading:

Allen, J et al (eds) (1999) Unsettling Cities London : Routledge

Hall, T. (2011) Urban Geography.London: Routledge. 4^th Edition.

Hall, T et al (eds) (2008) The Sage Companion to the City London: Sage

Latham, A et al (2009) Key Concepts in Human Geography London : Sage

Pacione, M. (2009) Urban Geography. A Global Perspective, London: Routledge. 3^rd Edition.

Complementary reading:

Buck, N. et al (2005) Changing Cities. Rethinking Urban Competitiveness, Cohesion and Governance. London: Palgrave.

Eade, J. and Mele, C. (Eds.) (2002) Understanding the City. Oxford: Blackwell.

Fyfe, N. and Kenny, J. (Eds.) (2005) The Urban Geography Reader. London: Routledge.

Lees, L. et al (2010) the Gentrification Reader Routledge: London

Pile, S et al (eds) (1999) Unruly Cities? London:Routledge

Savage, M, Warde, A and Ward, K (2003) Urban Sociology, Capitalism and Modernity 2^nd ed Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

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