Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - URB 635 G100

Urban Inequality and the Just City (4)

Class Number: 4373

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Tue, Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the forces that have created and perpetuated urban social inequality, along with its political, economic, and cultural impact on cities. Explores the social movements, planning efforts, and policy initiatives that have tackled urban poverty and social exclusion in the struggle to create just cities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Format
This course is going to be delivered in a blended format (combined in-person and asynchronous online engagement). More specifically, the intersession summer term which runs from May 8th to June 19th (6 weeks) includes 12 scheduled classes for URB 635 (Tu/Thu 5:30pm – 9:20pm). We will meet in person for 7 of these classes, and asynchronous online engagement will be used for the remaining 5 classes.

Class sessions include a combination of lectures, discussions, and student presentations. For the asynchronous online engagement part of the course, students are expected to complete required readings and learning activities following the timelines provided at the beginning of the term.

Course Overview
A growing share of the global population now lives in urban areas. At the same time, there exist deepening patterns of inequality in many cities across the world. This course explores some of these significant emerging and growing patterns of urban inequality in Canada and around the world. It relies on theoretical and empirical studies to examine the role of different factors, especially economic factors, in shaping urban inequalities both broadly as well as more specifically as they are experienced by different disadvantaged and marginalized groups and demographics in society.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Objectives
The objective of this course is to equip you with knowledge and skills to:
• Identify some of the main economic drivers of urban inequality
• Understand how various manifestations of economic inequality can be measured
• Examine the socioeconomic consequences of urban inequality
• Develop understanding of policy solutions to address various aspects of urban inequality

Grading

  • In-person class participation 10%
  • Online participation 15%
  • Presentation 25%
  • Assignment 1 - Reflection essay 15%
  • Assignment 2 - Photographing inequality 10%
  • Assignment 3 - Final project 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The required readings for this class consist of book chapters, journal articles, government or policy reports, documentaries, news articles, and case studies. These materials will be posted on the course website.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.