This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The course discusses the main approaches which have developed in urban sociology through an exploration of some of the major themes. These themes include urbanisation under capitalism, planning, post-industrialism, globalisation, social differentiation, multiculturalism, protest and social movements, and comparative urbanism (Asian and African contexts). Approaches considered within these will include Marx, Weber, the Chicago School, the Manchester school, and post-modernism.
22 hours contact time
Total study hours including weekly preparation and the research and writing of the extended essay involve approximately 128 hours, making an overall total of 150 hours for the module.
Particular relevance to the BA (Hons) Sociology
Students will be assessed on the basis of one 3000-3500 word essay (40% of total weighting), seminar participation (20% of total weighting), and exam (40% of total weighting). This means that the coursework/exam split of the module will be 60/40. The essay will allow the students to demonstrate their understanding of the knowledge they have received through lectures and focused independent study. The final part of the coursework assessment, the mark awarded for seminar participation, is there to encourage students to prepare for, attend, and actively participate in seminar discussions. The mark for this element will be agreed between the seminar leader and module convenor in accordance with a set criteria involving checking individual students attendance, and observing their level of preparation for, and active participation in seminar discussions.
1 x 3,000 – 5,000-word Essay - 40%
Seminar Participation - 20%
1 x 2-hour Exam - 40%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework
Hubbard, P. (2006) The City. London: Routledge.
Legates, T. and Stout, F. (2011) The City Reader. London: Routledge.
Lim, J. and Mele, C. (eds.)(2005) The Urban Sociology Reader. London: Routledge.
Maconis, J. and Parillo, V. (2009) Cities and Urban Life: International Edition. London: Pearson.
Parker, S. (2015) Urban Theory and the Urban Experience (2nd ed). London: Routledge
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key problems, debates, and approaches in urban sociology.
8.2 Critically evaluate writings on key themes and issues in this field at an advanced level.
8.3 Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of comparative urbanism, enabling them to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current
urban developments in local and global contexts.
8.4 Demonstrate higher level sociological analytical skills
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Present arguments in writing through exams and essay writing, and orally through delivering and responding to seminar discussion
9.2 Demonstrate advanced skills in organising information clearly and coherently digest and disseminate complex theoretical material
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