GEOG3702 Cities, Geography and Policy

2014

4.5

1 x 110-minute seminar weekly
1 x 1-day excursion per semester

9 unit(s) of ____2%

GEOG3007 has been successfully completed

This topic aims to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by urban policy makers in attempting make cities more environmentally sustainable, equitable and economically efficient in a time of significant political, cultural, economic, demographic and technological change. After establishing a conceptual framework of the key forces and themes affecting contemporary urban development and urban policy, the topic examines the major issues and debates on the current urban policy agenda: metropolitan planning strategy; New Urbanism, urban planning in a multicultural society; inequality, disadvantage and social exclusion; access, equity and affordability issues in housing markets; and infrastructure provision.

The topic aims to provide a sound background for honours or other further study in urban geography or urban planning, and for a career in urban research or management. It is also intended to be an intelligent citizen's guide to urban issues and how they affect residents of large cities.

At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Identify the main theories, models and modes of explanation in the contemporary urban studies literature, and discuss their relevance to Australian cities
2. Critically evaluate current public policy approaches to strategic planning, service provision, environmental management and housing in Australian cities, and compare them with policies in other developed countries
3. Research selected urban policy issues and present findings, verbally and in written form, in accordance with good scholarly practice