Unit name | Urban Governance and Democracy |
---|---|
Unit code | SPOL30045 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Sweeting |
Open unit status | Open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School for Policy Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
In a context where cities are increasingly seen as drivers of change and innovation both in national and global contexts, this unit examines processes, policies, issues, and innovations in and around urban governance. It is concerned with both formal political processes in urban politics, and also examines the informal less institutionalised relationships and issues that are apparent alongside or outside government in urban areas. The unit considers traditional and contemporary perspectives on local democracy, and as such there is consideration of institutions such local government, directly elected mayors and representative processes of decision-making, and analysis of the interests outside formal governmental process in cities in governance networks, embedded in communities and containing public, private and third sector interests. Cutting through this unit is a concern for policy issues as they play out in cities, such as urbanisation, globalisation, gentrification, and regeneration, and underlying the unit are deeper questions related to the nature and distribution of power and inclusion and exclusion in urban areas.
Aims:
By the end of the course students will be able to
Interactive lectures and seminars.
Formative: a one hour 'practice exam' to assess and support the students' preparations for the summative assessment.
Summative (100%): a three hour exam which will enable the students to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit.
All assessment is marked against the published marking criteria for that level, as stated in the Social Policy Programme handbook.
Pierre, J (2011) The politics of urban governance. (Basingstoke: Palgrave)
Harding A and Blokland T (2014) Urban Theory: A critical introduction to power, cities and urbanism in the 21st century (London: Sage)
Davies, J. and Imbroscio D. (eds) (2009) Theories of urban politics. (London: Sage)
Hambleton, R. (2015) Leading the inclusive city. (Bristol: Policy Press)
Wilson, D. and Game, C. (2011) Local Government in the United Kingdom. 5th ed. (Basingstoke: Palgrave)
Barber, B. (2012) If mayors rules the world. Dysfunctional nations, rising cities. (Yale University Press)