Not available in 2020/21
GY470 Half Unit
Urban Africa
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Claire Mercer STC.418
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research), MSc in Local Economic Development, MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies, MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Urbanisation and Development. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
This course is available to students in other departments and on other programmes where their regulations allow, and if there is space on the course.
Course content
The course begins with an overview of the ideas and debates on urban Africa in theory and policy. The rest of the course looks at key issues currently facing African cities drawing on contemporary policy debates and research in human geography, African studies, development studies, urban studies, anthropology, sociology and planning studies. These include: urban pasts, urban economies, informality, rural-urban connections, planning, land, housing and infrastructure.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT.
There will be a Reading Week in Week 6.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 draft essay plan for the assessed essay in MT.
Indicative reading
de Boeck F and S Baloji (2016) Suturing the city: living together in Congo’s urban worlds, Autograph ABP, London
Diouf M and R Fredericks (eds) (2014) The arts of citizenship in African cities: infrastructures and spaces of belonging, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke
Obeng-Odoom F (2016) Reconstructing urban economies: towards a political economy of the built environment, Zed, London
Myers G (2011) African cities: alternative visions of urban theory and practice, Zed, London
Parnell S and E Pieterse (eds) (2014) Africa’s urban revolution, Zed, London
Pieterse E and AM Simone (eds) (2013) Rogue urbanism: emergent African cities, Jacana Media with African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town
Quayson A (2014) Oxford Street, Accra: city life and the itineraries of transnationalism, Duke University Press, Durham and London
Robinson J (2006) Ordinary cities: between modernity and development, Routledge, Abingdon
Simone AM (2004) For the city yet to come: changing African life in four cities, Duke University Press, Durham and London
Assessment
Essay (100%, 5000 words) in the LT.
Students will submit an extended essay addressing an issue of urban development in African cities.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Geography & Environment
Total students 2019/20: 34
Average class size 2019/20: 17
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Specialist skills
