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:
Date | Topic | Teacher
Schedule:
Date | Topic | Teacher
6.10. | Introduction to the course | Adela Petrović
How to study urban geography | Martin Ouředníček
13.10. | Classical urban theories | Martin Šimon
20.10. | Chicago school of urban sociology | Martin Ouředníček
27.10. | Time geography in urban research | Lucie Pospíšilová
3.11. | Test I | Adela Petrović
Radical political economy, institutional approach | Petra Špačková
10.11. | Urban planning (Jane Jacobs film) | Petra Špačková
17.11. | State holiday
24.11. | Humanistic approach | Lucie Pospíšilová
1.12. | Theory of structuration and social environment | Martin Ouředníček
8.12. | Postmodern urban geography | Martin Šimon
15.12. | Test II | Adela Petrović
Post-socialist paradigm | Martin Ouředníček
January | Exam | Martin Ouředníček, Petra Špačková, Adela Petrović
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.
Urban and Regional Laboratory
Department of Social Geography
& Regional Development
Charles University in Prague
Faculty of Science
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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