(Urban Geography)

Course Description:

This course is a general introduction to Urban Geography. More than half the world’s population currently
lives in cities, and the proportion continues to increase. This covers the historical and contemporary processes
of urbanization, the internal structure and characteristics of cities, and the nature of urban systems. It is
concerned with the relations among people, and between people and their environments, in cities and towns
across the world. It will discuss different issues affecting cities such as economy, culture, health, planning,
human mobility and transportation. It also includes topics on sustainability and the future of cities.

Course Credits: 3 units

Contact Hours: 3 hours/week

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 Understand and be able to explain major concepts and theories from urban geography (urbanization,
central place theory, gentrification, segregation, etc.)
 Be able to integrate geographical, economic, political, cultural, historical and social knowledge in order to
analyze urban issues.
 Use the knowledge about cities gained in class to enhance their own visits to cities or lives in cities and
gain confidence in their ability to successfully navigate a city via public transportation or on foot.
 Have a greater appreciation for cultural diversity within cities as well as a better understanding of how
discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, and disability structure cities and
affect people's lives.
 Have a greater appreciation for cities as well as the diversity of different urban places in the world.
 Be prepared to participate in the political life of one's own city or town (as a voter, an active citizen, an
activist, an employee, or an elected official.)

Outline of Lecture Topics:

I. Introduction to the Study of Urban Geography

II. Origins: The Emergence, Evolution, and Growth of Cities
III. The City Economy
IV. City Culture
V. Downtown: A Special Area, A Special Problem
VI. The Residential Function of Cities: Housing and Residential Mobility
VII. Transportation and Telecommunications
VIII. Power, Politics, and Urban Governance
IX. ‘Liveability’: Planning, the Urban Physical Environment and Living Conditions
X. The Urban / Non-Urban Interface
XI. Urban Sustainability

Classroom Policies

• Wear your prescribed uniform while inside the campus.

 • School ID shall be properly worn at all times
• Only blue or black ink is allowed
• Use white intermediate paper only, unless specified
• When taking the test, always

Write your family name first

Indicate your course, year, and section, date, subject and regular time schedule

• Be prompt in attending your classes. Tardiness is discouraged.

• Maintain cleanliness. Do not write anything on the wall and on the chair. There is always a proper place for
your garbage.
• Do not loiter in the corridor during class hour.
• Bring your own school materials (paper, pen, book, etc.)
• Actively participate in class activities.
• Put your cellphone in silent mode during class hour.
• Observe proper seating arrangement.
• Ask permission before leaving the room.
• Be courteous! Be polite!
• Cheating means FAILING GRADE

Suggested Activities

Film Showing Survey Interview

Resource Person Term Paper
Group Report Insight Paper
Field Visit/Exposure Trip Exhibits
Internet Surfing Research Paper
Data Gathering Case Study
Interview Seminar/Forum

Class Standing (Written Exams-20% + Performance Output-30%) = 50%

Periodic Exam (Prelim, Midterm, Finals) = 50%

Final Rating = Prelim + Midterm + Finals

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