Undergraduate - UnitATS2633 - Global cities: past, present future

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Notes

Synopsis

How have cities contributed to the progress of globalisation over the past two millennia? This unit analyses a series of major world cities, examining their histories, contemporary situation, and emerging or possible future development scenarios. The overarching theme will be the historical and contemporary role of cities as drivers of economic and social change, with a sub-theme around the idea of cities as centres of cultural interaction.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit student will:

1. have an understanding of the past, present and possible futures of a number of important world cities
2. have an understanding of the historical and contemporary role of cities as drivers of economic, social and cultural change
3. have an understanding of the contemporary and historical role of cities as places of cultural interaction
4. be familiar with the research skills and methods of urban scholars, including urban historians
5. have experience in working with a range of textual, visual and material urban research sources
6. have further developed their oral and written communication skills, including skills in writing for non-specialist audiences
7. In addition to the above, students undertaking the unit at level three will have demonstrated the ability to conceive and complete an independent research project around an urban theme.

Assessment

Written work: 90%
Class participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Seamus O'Hanlon

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

International studies
History
Urban, regional and international development

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in International Studies or History or permission

Prohibitions

ATS3633