2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG2820 Cities and Regions; Analysis and Planning

10 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Professor Martin Clarke
Email: Martin.c.clarke@btinternet.com

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

In this module we will explore why cities and their regions form such an important part of the large majority of peoples' lives. We will illustrate the argument with reference to cities around the world but will focus on Leeds as an example that everyone should be familiar with. Over the next 50 years it is expected that the equivalent of 500 new cities of 10 million people will emerge. We shall explore how urbanisation has developed and how it will continue and the implications this poses for society and the world in general.Geographers and planners for the last 50 years have been interested in building computer simulation models that replicate the way cities work and being able to examine how various scenarios might impact in the future. We shall review these developments and examine how we might begin to develop real 'Sim Cities'.

Objectives

By the end of this module students who have engaged well with the syllabus should have aquired:

1) An understanding of the main dimensions of how cities work;
2) knowledge of the processes underpinning urban patterns and dynamics
3) An appreciation of the different approaches to urban and regional analysis and planning, especially through GIS and spatial analysis;
4) An introductory understanding of how simulations and aid city and regional planning.
5) Some experience of undertaking applied urban research.

Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A1 The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the social sciences and humanities
A4 Spatial patterns and relationships in human phenomena at a variety of scales
A5 The geography of places and their constitution by economic, social and political processes, and the influence of places on these processes
A6 The geographies of difference and inequality with particular reference to historical development, ethnicity, class, gender and the changing nature of urban and regional economies and policy
A7 Contemporary debates about time-space relationships, globalization and global interconnections
A10 The contribution of geography to development of environmental, political, economic and cultural agendas, policies and practices.

B Cognitive skills
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
B2 Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
B3 Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
B4 Developing reasoned arguments

C Practical/professional skills
C5 Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries.

D Key skills
D2 Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
D5 Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
D6 Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
D7 Manage time and organise work effectively

Syllabus

1. The Geography of Everyday life
2. Past and future trends in urbanisation
3. Cities as complex systems
4. Simulating cities
5. Simulation Portal for cities and regions
6. Simulation Workshop
7. Reading week
8. Healthy Cities
9. UK regions in the global economy
10. Regional Futures - demographic change and the UK housing market
11. Retailing and Urban Services

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Practical	2	1.00	2.00
Private study hours			88.00
Total Contact hours			12.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

40 hours reading to support individual lectures
15 hours data collection, analysis and preparation of assessed report
33 hours revision and preparation for examination

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through workshops in association with the practical component of this module at the middle and end of Semester 1.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Project	Report 750 words	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 15 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/03/2009

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