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Urban Social Geography I: Key Theoretical Approaches


Semester

zimní semestr

Credits

7 credits (ZS/LS, 2/1, zk, z)


  • The Urban Social Geography I: Key Theoretical Approaches is the first part of the course Urban Social Geography . It is held during the winter semester and introduces the key theoretical approaches within the field of urban geography. In the summer term, the second part, Urban Social Geography II: Contemporary Issues ,  is arranged along the fundamental themes in contemporary urban studies.

    The Urban Social Geography I: Key Theoretical Approachescourse is focused on the variability of research perspectives in urban studies. The key theoretical approaches are selected in the context of the specific development of Central and Eastern European (CEE) urban system and the internal structures of cities within the region. The course offers profound knowledge of spatial patterns, urban processes and developments through the lens of theoretical and methodological concepts from the traditional urban sociology, Chicago school, Marxist and humanistic approaches, time-space geography and social environment theory. The course consists of eleven lectures combined with exercises and two discussion seminars. The main emphasis is on reading, classroom discussion and written assignments of the varying explanatory power of different theoretical concepts and their usefulness for CEE urban studies.

     

    Schedule:

    2.10.2025 Introduction to the course
    How to study urban geography
    Adela Petrovic
    Martin Ouředníček
    9.10.2025 Classical urban theories Martin Šimon
    16.10.2025 Sport day Martin Ouředníček
    23.10.2025 Time geography in urban research Lucie Pospíšilová
    30.10.2025 Chicago school of urban sociology Martin Ouředníček
    6.11.2025 Humanistic approach Lucie Pospíšilová
    13.11.2025 Test I
    Radical political economy, institutional approach
    Lucie Pospíšilová
    20.11.2025 Theory of structuration and social environment Martin Ouředníček
    27.11.2025 Urban Governance Adela Petrovic
    4.12.2025 Post-socialist paradigm Martin Ouředníček
    11.12.2025 Post-modern approaches and beyond Martin Šimon
    18.12.2025 Test II
    Post-structuralist approach
    Lucie Pospíšilová
    TBA Exams Lucie Pospíšilová
    Martin Ouředníček
    Adela Petrovic
  • Course requirements and evaluation criteria

    Basic level:

    Total score in tests I and II ≥ 50%

    Attendance of at least 7 lectures (excluding Introduction), including compulsory attendance of discussion seminars

    Timely submission of at least 6 pre-class assignments (submitted via Moodle, annotation of required reading + answers to all questions suggested in Moodle)

    Exam:

    Same conditions as for basic level plus:

    Activity and discussion of required readings in class

    Exam – essay

    Note: Completion of previous courses in urban geography is not required.

URRlab


Urban and Regional Laboratory

Department of Social Geography
& Regional Development

Charles University in Prague
Faculty of Science

Contact us


Albertov 2038/6
128 43 Praha 2 - Nové Město

Contact person
Jiří Nemeškal
jiri.nemeskal@natur.cuni.cz
211 951 972


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