Teaching code

4S01967

Teacher

Elisa Ravazzoli

Coordinatore

Elisa Ravazzoli

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY

Period

Sem. IA (31.10.16 sosp.lezioni), Sem. IB

Moodle Seminars

Learning outcomes

The course presents some of the major categories and concept uses in urban geography and explores the phenomena, processes and main urban problems that characterize our society, revealing the critical role of geographical knowledge both for the analysis and interpretation of the city and its issues, as well as for supporting urban policy and planning decisions.

At the end of this course students will be expected to:
1. Understand the urban geography main concepts necessary to understand the city and its urban processes (Class 1);
2. Recognize the character of the urbanization process, distinguish different city urban forms, as well as distinguish and compare the characters of historical and contemporary cities (Class 2)
3. Describe the complex system of economic, social, infrastructure and cultural forces determining urban development processes and shaping the city (class 3);
4. Explain the internal structure of the city, the interactions within cities (e.g. center-periphery) as well as the interaction between different cities and urban systems(e.g. city networks) (Class 4/class 5)
5. Explain the importance of the environmental dimension and the presence of high-quality public spaces (Class 6/ Class 7);
6. Recognize and analyze some urban phenomena including suburbanization, gentrification and spatial segregation (Class 8 / Class 9);
7. Recognize the characteristics of urban policies and their implications in social and environmental terms (class 11 / class 12);
8. Understand how to use the operational tools suitable for the investigation of city and urban phenomena (Lesson 6 / Lesson 10)
9. Connect geographical concepts to reality (Lesson 13).

Program

Required texts for student who attend classes:
- Dematteis G. e Lanza C. (a cura di), Le città del mondo. Una geografia urbana, Torino, UTET Università, 2014.
- Governa F., Memoli M. (a cura di), Geografie dell’urbano. Spazi, politiche, pratiche della città, Roma, Carocci, 2015.
- Additional materials (reports; book chapters) will be provided during classes by the instructor or posted on the course website

Required texts for student who do not attend classes:
- Dematteis G. e Lanza C. (a cura di), Le città del mondo. Una geografia urbana, Torino, UTET Università, 2014.
- Governa F., Memoli M. (a cura di), Geografie dell’urbano. Spazi, politiche, pratiche della città, Roma, Carocci, 2015.
One book among the following: - Castells M., La città delle reti, Marsilio, 2004 - Mumford L., La cultura delle città, Einaudi, 2007 (o altre edizioni) - Sassen S., Le città nell'economia globale, Il Mulino, 2010 - Jacobs J,, Vita e morte delle grandi città, Einaudi, 2009Learning activities and exercises: The course is based on the active involvement of students’ in-group activities: Additionally to traditional lectures, several types of group activities will be performed: group debates, scenario building, case studies, concept maps, practical exercises, group presentation.

Examination Methods

The final exam consist of an oral exam based on the discussion of the of required texts, and materials provided in the classroom, and in the delivery of a written paper in which the student will apply the methodological tools provided during the course. The scope of the paper is to analyze an urban problem / urban phenomenon / urban process using as a case study the city of Verona.

Grading and evaluation: for students who attend classes, the final grade is based on the oral exam (50%), on the quality of the paper delivered (25%) and on active participation during group activities in class (25%). For students who do not attend classes, the final grade is based on the oral exam (60%) and on the delivery of the paper (40%). Please contact the instructor to get more information.

Teaching materials e documents

•   Programma Geografia Urbana   (pdf, it, 620 KB, 25/10/16)
•   Syllabus Urban Geography   (pdf, it, 626 KB, 25/10/16)