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This module is concerned with the interrelationships between society and space in Britain’s and Europe’s cities. It will explore some of the key concepts and theories within the field of urban studies, urban sociology and urban geography to understand the link between social change and spatial processes, as well as the policies which have been designed to address important urban issues. One of the key underlying themes is the effect of economic, social and political restructuring on patterns of urban spatial change, social inequalities and spatial segregation in cities.

One of the key objectives of the module is to raise students’ awareness of their social responsibility as future professionals in the field of planning, urban regeneration, housing and real estate development; that is to say to encourage students to become reflective practitioners. The lectures and seminars consequently aim at making students critically think about - and discuss - the social equity implications of the trends, developments and policies shaping contemporary cities, and of their future professional practices. Various methods are used: film screenings, readings followed by group discussions, web- and media-based research... London is used as a rich case-study to illustrate and discuss issues of global significance for contemporary cities such as social exclusion, socio-spatial segregation, the housing crisis, gentrification, insecurity, and the role that planning and urban policies can play to address those issues.

The assessment for the module is 100% by coursework, via an individual 3,000 word essay on one of the key themes covered in the module.

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