The course, that will have a worldwide outlook, deals with urban theory in the sense of different ways of understanding cities the forces shaping cities, the physical patterns in the urban landscape and the consequences on life and planning. There are different theories of contemporary urban development, e.g. cities being understood as generators of economic growth, as spaces of mobility, as places for cultural and public life, as spaces of environmental degradation and/or green living, as places for reproduction and everyday life, as spaces where ethnic, socio-economic and/or gender divisions manifest themselves, as spaces driven by desire or fear, etc. These varying perspectives on urban development and views on what the problems are, give rise to different implications and tasks for planning.
AG2108 Urban Theory, Advanced Course 7.5 credits
The course is about the complex relationship between economy, society and city and about the transformation of cities now going on when the industrial society turns into a post-industrial and more globally dependant society.
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
In order to pass the course, the student shall:
- Analyse and reflect upon the interplay of economic, social, political and cultural forces shaping the city and its planning in different geographical contexts
- Compare and analyse different theories of contemporary urban development
- Apply a set of theories in a specific urban area and analyse the implications in terms of preconditions for planning and what direction planning ought to take
- For a specific urban area, develop an own future oriented perspective of urban development and its implications for planning, through referring to previous theories and motivating in what ways this perspective is more accurate
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
3 years of university studies within the field of Planning, Architecture, Engineering or Social Science.
Recommended prerequisites
3 years of university studies within the field of Plannning, Architecture, Engineering or Social Science.
Equipment
Literature
Books and chapters to be read will be presented before the course starts
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- SEM1 - Lectures, Seminars, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- ÖVN3 - Essay, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Essay (ÖVN3; 4,5 cr) and Lectures and seminars (SEM1; 3,0 cr).
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
Contact
Supplementary information
First prio: Students within THSSM2
Andra prio: Incoming exchange students S.
Replaces AG2106 Urbanism Worldwide.
Replaces 1N1508 Planning Theory, advanced.