HUMN 1008 Cities: Introduction to Urban Studies

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101589

Coordinator Cameron Mcauliffe Opens in new window

Description This subject is a keystone in the Geography and Urban Studies major. It aims to introduce students to the major urban challenges that will shape our society in the future and to the major substantive concerns in the field of urban management and planning It will develop students' understanding of how their own urban experiences are shaped by broader historical, cultural, economic, and social forces, and will enable students to compare the Australian urban context and issues with those in other world regions.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Human Geography

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 1336 - The Urban Context

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate debates over major urban development issues (such as environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, or social equity);
  2. Analyse the physical, social, economic, and cultural structure of the contemporary Australian city, and contrast it with the structure of cities in other world regions;
  3. Formulate a coherent argument about the impacts of a current urban issue (such as transportation, large scale redevelopment, or urban growth) ;
  4. Explain major contemporary theories about the urban-level interface between global and local forces;
  5. Identify the unique and distinctive elements that define particular urban places, and describe the relationships between these urban place and urban inhabitants.

Subject Content

1. Historical evolution of cities, urban problems, and our attempts to resolve those problems
2. Comparative analysis of the social, economic, political, and cultural forces shaping cities in different world regions
3. Globalisation and social equity
4. Environmental and economic sustainability

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Quiz 4 x 30min 40 N Individual
Essay 1,000 words 30 N Individual
Case Study 400-600 words per person 30 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Autumn (2024)

Penrith (Kingswood)

On-site

Subject Contact Cameron Mcauliffe Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Cameron Mcauliffe Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window