Readings in Urban Studies

2024/2025

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

4

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Vysokovsky Graduate School of Urbanism

Course type:

Compulsory course

When:

3 year, 3, 4 module

Instructor

Katasonova, Natalia V.

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The "Readings in Urban Studies" course aims to cultivate students' critical and analytical skills when engaging with academic texts, research articles, policy documents, and news related to urban issues. Through various reading assignments, guided discussions, and activities, students will adopt a critical mindset to explore diverse perspectives, evaluate arguments, and assess the reliability and validity of research findings and policy recommendations using evidence-based reasoning. Furthermore, analysing current urban news will foster students' ability to scrutinise media narratives and grasp the broader implications of urban policies and developments. Course emphasis includes concise and clear writing, the skills to annotate, summarise, and synthesise complex information, and persuasive speaking. The course explores a range of urban studies topics, such as urban planning, urban geography, urban sociology, urban economics, urban politics, urban design, sustainable urban development, and visions for future cities. By applying advanced analytical and critical thinking skills to real-world urban issues, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities and challenges inherent in studying urban environments and urban planning. This skill set will enable them to become proficient critical thinkers and contribute meaningfully to ongoing academic and policy debates in urban studies.