Fall 2017 - URB 655 G100
Global Cities (4)
Class Number: 7543
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Matt Hern
mhern@sfu.ca
Office: 2116 (Harbour Centre)
Office Hours: 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, investigate and interrogate contemporary conversations around Global Cities. We will look closely at the evolution of core theoretical concepts as articulated by Hall, Sassen, Friedmann, Castells, Brenner, Robinson and others, map out the landscape and debates within the literature and work to make sense of the trajectory of on-going critical research. Questions we’ll ask include: What is a Global City? How are they classified and ordered? Why is this important? How are Global Cities different from important, or big, or rich cities? How does globalization and Global City theory help in understanding what is happening to and with all cities today?
From there we will apply this theoretical framework to a number of contemporary examples and look closely at some specific cities. All students will do two case studies: a shorter first paper and then a larger final paper, using Global Cities literature to describe and analyse particular urban transformations and emergences. We will also conduct a couple of field trips and host guest speakers to add nuance and depth to our thinking.
By the end of the course students will feel comfortable negotiating the Global Cities literature, have a good sense of the theoretical contours and debates, and be able to use that analysis to inform their understanding of urban change.
Grading
- Class participation 20%
- Two responses to readings 10%
- First paper + presentation 25%
- Final paper 35%
- Final presentation 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There is one required text:
Neil Brenner and Roger Keil, eds., THE GLOBAL CITIES READER (London/New York: Routledge / Taylor + Francis, 2006), paperback. (Available at SFU's Harbour Centre bookstore).
The rest of the 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