Fall 2018 - URB 655 G100

Global Cities (4)

Class Number: 9570

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Instructor:

    Anthony Perl
    aperl@sfu.ca
    Office: HC 2124
    Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2-4pm, or by appointment

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students will critically evaluate and apply various approaches and concepts in assessing the phenomenon of the global city. Assessment of current Canadian and comparative cases and settings provides a basis for this examination, as does the various stages of the policy cycle.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will explore the ideas and practices that shape contemporary understanding of Global Cities. We will explore the evolution of theoretical concepts as articulated by Hall, Sassen, Friedmann, Castells, Brenner, Robinson and others and assess the trajectory of on-going research into Global Cities. Questions that we’ll consider include:  What is a Global City? Why do Global Cities matter?  How are these cities classified and situated? How does globalization and Global City theory help understand what is happening in cities today, and how to make them better in the future?   

After gaining familiarity with the Global Cities conceptual framework, we will apply it to gain insight into several specific cities and their urban dynamics.  Students will be expected to connect Global Cities theory with recent practices in a specific case of urban initiative through their research paper.  

Grading

  • Class participation 25%
  • Seminar facilitation 10%
  • Draft paper + presentation 25%
  • Final paper 30%
  • Final presentation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Neil Brenner and Roger Keil, eds., THE GLOBAL CITIES READER (London/New York: Routledge / Taylor + Francis, 2006), paperback.  Other readings will come from journal and news articles available electronically via the SFU library and other sources freely available on the internet.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS