SOC4092 - Urban Sociology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Discuss theoretical perspectives relevant to urban sociology, considering political, cultural and social influences and implications.
Understand power relations between different societal groups within the urban environment.
Show awareness of urban environments as complex, multicultural and contested social spaces.
Communicate and argue effectively.

Content:

This module introduces key ideas in urban sociology. A key focus is on the contemporary city and the ways it is experienced by different social groups. This module poses the question 'who has the right to the city?' Examining the historical origins of urban space, right up to the post-modern city, key concepts here include questions of belonging, transgression, discipline, policing, surveillance, the control of space, consumerism, protest and power.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The lectures will thoroughly examine the different facets of urban sociology through a critical lens. The workshops will then use a range of activities such as group work, partnership work and formative quizzes to make connections between urban sociological theory and contemporary urban life.

Lectures
Hours: 15
Intended Group Size: 30

Seminars
Hours: 15
Intended Group Size: 30

Guided independent study
Hours: 170

Further details relating to assessment

Assessment 1 - Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Assessment 2 - Essay. This essay will draw on the themes of the module to explore and examine central tensions within Urban Sociology. Themes for example, can include: gentrification; the 'smart city'; urban inequality; urban immigration; consumerism and regeneration; security and urban mega-events.

Full advice and support will be given in both lectures and seminars.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Robert Thornton-Lee
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S1

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