Key facts
UNE unit code: SOCY500
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
The city has long been a focus of sociological inquiry because cities concentrate people, power, opportunity and inequality, bringing together insights from sociology, political science, geography and political economy.
Some of the most urgent social issues are exacerbated or caused by the design of urban spaces, rapidly growing populations in concentrated areas, accommodating the needs of diverse and interconnected communities, and unequal access to critical health and social services.
In this unit you will explore influential perspectives on urban life - from early foundational debates to contemporary discussions about globalisation, technology, infrastructure and gentrification, and sustainability and climate change. You will tackle important questions including: In what ways have cities fostered democracy, innovation and market economies? How do they generate wider social transformations, social movements, climate resilience, cultural and demographic change?
The unit is an important compliment to professional and academic pathways in social justice, human geography, social welfare and infrastructure policy among others.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply coherent theoretical and deep knowledge of urban sociology and the current issues and debates within urban studies;
- critically analyse and interpret the often complex urban social processes and problems, and demonstrate a critical understanding of their wider social, economic and political causes and effects;
- independently examine the formation and nature of the modern city using a broad range of examples and perspectives from a range of theoretical perspectives; and
- critically formulate cogent discussion points and arguments, and to communicate this coherently to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 3500 |
| Online Posts | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Two 200 word online posts. Total No. Words: 400
|
| Oral Tutorial Presentation and Reflection - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Oral Tutorial Presentation, 750 words (equivalent). Oral Reflection, 750 words (equivalent). Students must obtain at least 50% in the Assurance Task (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit. Total No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The City Reader
ISBN: 9780367204792
LeGates, R.T. and Stout, F., Routledge 7th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Cities By Design: Social Life of Urban Form
ISBN: 9780745648989
Tonkiss, F., Polity 1st ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Urban Theory: A Critical Introduction to Power, Cities and Urbanism in the 21st Century
ISBN: 9781446294529
Harding, A. and Blokland, T., Sage 1st ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
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