Geography of urbanization processes
Academic Year 2024/2025 - Teacher:
DONATELLA STEFANIA PRIVITERA
Expected Learning Outcomes
The course aims to critically trace and discuss the characteristics and effects of the current dynamics of urban centers (metropolis, megacities, etc.), deepening the complex relationships that constitute the raison d'être of urban aggregations. In particular, the didactic training (frontal and with evidence of reality) and the instruments are aimed at those who intend to develop skills in the field of enhancement of current urban contexts. The goal is to understand the set of social phenomena, urban communities, different educational realities that characterize global contemporary cities, useful to contextualize the professional action of future educators, including community.
Course Structure
Lectures, verification exercises are planned. In addition, field application visits to agencies, associations and/or places of interest useful for in-depth study of the topics covered. Urban metamorphosis will be described and analyzed by means of case studies and use of digital tools, online materials and viewing of educational videos. In addition, working groups will be formed for applied study in the area.
Required Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of physical geography is required so attendance of the zero course "Basic Elements of Geography. The World and its Countries" (short lecture course in Semester I) and an interdisciplinary connection ability with adequate expression regarding content.
Attendance of Lessons
Optional but attendance is recommended to participate in group activities, midterm tests and interaction.
Detailed Course Content
Urban geography concern with various aspects of cities. An urban geographer's main role is to emphasize location and space and study the spatial processes that create patterns observed in urban areas. Topics are the site, evolution and growth, and classification of villages, towns and cities as well as their location and importance in relation to different regions and cities.
Economic, political and social aspects within cities are also important in urban geography. In order to fully understand each of these aspects of a city, urban geography represents a combination of many other fields within geography.
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
During the didactic semester of face-to-face lectures, there will be an itinere written test and/or a final written/oral test with interactive group presentations. During the examination sessions, the tests will be oral.The student's evaluation is assigned according to mastery of topics, expository skills, knowledge of disciplinary vocabulary, critical insights and related applied comprehension skills. Also from the ability to interact in working groups and will be added value by participation in seminars and workshops organized during the teaching semester.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Numerous and frequent sample questions/exercises for each topic covered will be addressed during the course lectures. Attending students will be asked to prepare presentations of the material studied to illustrate in the classroom.
