Spring 2024 - GEOG 161 D100
Urban Change: An Introduction to Dynamic Places (3)
Class Number: 4881
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 16, 2024
Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Eugene McCann
emccann@sfu.ca
Office: RCB 6229
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to geographical perspectives on urbanized and urbanizing places, spaces, landscapes, and environments. The course focuses on the dynamism that characterizes cities and urban regions. Using a geographical social science approach, it provides an overview of how cities are shaped by humans and how we are shaped by cities.
COURSE DETAILS:
Cities—their bright lights, spectacular buildings, jarring contrasts, and changing landscapes—have sparked our imaginations for centuries. They are places of possibility and danger, of hope and disappointment, of power and powerlessness, of glamour and destitution, of production and consumption. They are often seen as different or special. They are frequently places where new innovations emerge and places that epitomize new forms of social organization. If you are interested in cities, if you are excited about living in one and by the opportunity to learn more about them, if you are interested in urban change, then this course is for you.
The course is an introduction to geographical perspectives on urbanized and urbanizing places, spaces, landscapes, and environments. The course focuses on the dynamism that characterizes cities and urban regions. Using a geographical social science approach, it provides an overview of how cities are shaped by humans and how we are shaped by cities.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
The following educational goals will guide the class. When you complete the course, you will have a basic understanding of:
(1) what urban change is and what it might be in the future;
(2) the relationship between society, space, and urbanization;
(3) how we can understand urban change using concepts from critical geographical scholarship;
(4) how governance, planning, activism, and other practices shape and mitigate urban change.
Grading
- Homework and quizzes 20%
- Short in-class writing assignments 10%
- Midterm 30%
- Final 40%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Andrew Jonas, Eugene McCann, & Mary Thomas (2015) Urban Geography: A Critical Introduction. Malden, Mass.: Wiley-Blackwell.
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.
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 term 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.