Course Title: Urban Regions: Strategic Considerations for Development

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Urban Regions: Strategic Considerations for Development

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ARCH1273

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015

ARCH1273

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Internet

Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013

Course Coordinator: Dr. Hyung Min Kim

Course Coordinator Phone: +(61 3) 9925 2614

Course Coordinator Email: hyungmin.kim@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course critically examines some of the major forces brought about by the process of economic globalisation that planners, bureaucrats and politicians must be aware of when devising policy. It explores some of the major economic debates about the global economy including the merits and pitfalls of direct foreign investment and free trade. It investigates the social and environmental repercussions of the integration of cities and nations in to the global economy. Through the use of both theoretical texts and actual case studies, you will become aware of some of the major obstacles confronted by cities and countries seeking to pursue more sustainable forms of development whilst opening their economies to the global economy. Through the choice of a case study, you will use the knowledge gained in this course to begin to think of ways in which some of these challenges may be addressed.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

· Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on recent trends and scholarly analysis of the effects and consequences of urbanisation internationally, including the interplay of ecological, economic, political, social and cultural factors.

· Continually extend and challenge your knowledge and professional practice in urban and environmental management.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Understand and conceptualise the various economic linkages that are being created at different spatial scales as part of the process of economic globalisation,

2. Critically examine the impacts of neoliberalism and its compatibility with the tenets of sustainable development,

3. Investigate what forms of governance are best able to strengthen democratic involvement in decision-making whilst allowing economic opening to occur in a sustainable manner.


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities will involve lectures, tutorial discussions and online interactions via myRMIT. The course will be delivered face-to-face as well as online.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems

You will be provided with a reference list of key texts during the course that will provide a comprehensive coverage of each of the topics covered in this course. In additional you may be required to conduct additional library and/or internet research.

The University Library has extensive resources for sustainability and urban planning students. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies:

- Environment Study Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/content.php?pid=18357

- Planning Study Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/content.php?pid=18355

- Sustainability Design Study Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/content.php?pid=268249

- International Development Study Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/content.php?pid=16095

The Library provides guides on academic referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment may include written essays, reflective written pieces, and contributions to discussions in class. Some assessment tasks may be offered as group work.

- Task 1: Urban region case study, 1500 words, 30%, CLO1 and 2
- Task 2: Urban regional analysis, 2000 words, 40%, CLO2 and 2
- Task 3: Policy recommendations, 1500 words, 30%, CLO3

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more. Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment.