Corso di Laurea Magistrale Interateneo in Geografia e Scienze Territoriali (LM-80)

The course aims to provide the theoretical and analytical tools – typical of the field of urban studies – which are essential to develop critical interpretations of the main social, economic and political phenomena taking place in contemporary cities. Specifically, the objectives of the course include: i) acquiring knowledge and interpretative skills related to the socio-spatial phenomena that characterize contemporary cities (with reference mainly, but not exclusively, to the European and North American contexts); ii) developing autonomous judgments and communication skills in order to build robust reasoning on, and critical understandings of, the main contemporary urban phenomena.

Knowledge and understanding. At the end of this course the student will know the main aspects related to some contemporary urban phenomena.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. At the end of this course the student will be able to: describe and analyse the most important contemporary urban phenomena; move critically within the national and international academic literature in the field of urban studies; write an academic essay.

Autonomy of judgement. At the end of this course the student will be able to formulate an independent critical judgement on the different aspects (descriptive, ethical, political) related to main contemporary urban phenomena.

Communication skills. At the end of the course the student will know how to use correct and adequate language for discussiong the main contemporary urban phenomena.

Learning skills. At the end of this course the student will have the ability to autonomously study the main aspects of urban studies.

The course explores key issues and debates in the field of urban studies. It is organised in two sections, which develop in parallel. 

The first ("encyclopedic") section analyses some key concepts which are crucial for a deep understanding of contemporary cities (e.g. diversity, conflicts, neoliberalism, right to the city, gentrification, urban governance, urban geopolitics). 

The second ("monographic") section critically investigates different types of self-organization in the residential field (e.g. gated communities, cohousing, squatting, housing self-construction, informal settlements).  Students are asked to write and present an academic essay on one of the topics that are discussed during this monographic section (this work will be evaluated and will contribute to determine the final grade).

The course lasts 54 hours (9 CFU). It is composed by traditional lectures. The active participation of students will be encouraged through the organization of individual presentations and collective discussions.

The method of examination is oral.

For attendees. Attending students must write a short academic essay on questions of housing self-organisation. The essay is assessed; it contributes 50% of the final grade. The remaining part of the grade is determined by an oral examination related to: 1) the contents of the lectures; 2) a selection of scientific articles related to the lectures, provided by the lecturer.

For non-attendees. For non-attending students, the oral test relates to the contents of some books mentioned in the course bibliography. Please contact the lecturer to agree on examination texts

Specific activities to support the writing of the short essay ans its presentation will take place during the lessons. The professor is open to discuss proposals for supplementary activities and to meet with students to clarify doubts or deepen topics.

During the course, bibliographical suggestions will be provided for essays on specific topics covered in the lectures.

The schedule of the course is at it follows:
28 and 29 September; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 October; 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 November; 14 December. All the classes will take place in person.