Dr M M Low, STC. S512. Other teachers involved: Dr A Ghertner, K101.

Optional for students on MSc Global Media and Communications (with Fudan or USC), MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies, MSc Human Geography (Research), MSc City Design and Social Science, MSc Environment and Development, MSc Urbanisation and Development, LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree in Urban Policy, MSc Culture and Society, MSc Development Studies, MSc Development Studies (Research) and MPA Public and Economic Policy/MPA Public Policy and Management/MPA International Development/MPA European Public and Economic Policy/MPA Public and Social Policy. Other graduate students are welcome but should seek the permission of the course director.

Theoretical perspectives on contemporary cities, with a specific focus on the global nature of urban social and political change and development. The course will consider classic and recent theory and analysis emanating from ‘Northern’ academic and policy contexts, while also challenging western-centric views of the city. In doing so, it aims to explore the mutual shapings of the differing urban experiences in these geographical contexts in a wide range of areas. In treating cities as crucibles of social, political and cultural transformation, the course will highlight the fractured and fragmented nature of the ‘urban experience,’ as well as the global determinants of the contemporary city. The course will equip students interested in urban change and development to understand and consider appropriate responses to social and political aspects of cities.

10 x two-hour meetings in MT, 10 x two-hour meetings in LT.

M Castells The City and the Grassroots, 1984; J S Davies and D L Imbroscio (Eds), Theories of Urban Politics, second edition, 2009; M Davis, Planet of Slums, 2006; M Douglass and J Friedmann (Eds), Cities for Citizens, 1998; D Harvey, Social Justice and the City, 1973; D Judge, G Stoker and H Wolman (Eds), Theories of Urban Politics, 1995; J Holston, The Modernist City, 1989; A Roy and N AlSayyad (Eds), Urban Informality, 2004; S Sassen, Territory, Authority, Rights, 2006; M P Smith, Translocal Urbanism, 2001.

Unseen three-hour examination (75%); one essay of 2,000 words (12.5%) and one 2,000 word project (12.5%).