City Lights: Cities, Culture and History

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject explores the histories not only of particular cities but also more broadly the historical development of spatial and social features of cities. Elements developed over time in both Australian and international urban areas are countenanced with a view to understanding how these have worked and might continue to work – through adaptation, reinvigoration, or refinement – in the urban context. The central question of the appeal and value of the city in the past and present is at the forefront. Understanding of city culture and the quality of the urban fabric over time is emphasised.

At the conclusion of the course, you will be able to:

• discuss, compare and outline the evolution of cities over time and in different placeses;
• research and analyse specific city elements;
• engage in discourse on city development, plans and urban change;
• evaluate specific places on historic, heritage and civic criteria.

• Class paper 10% - rolling due date.
• Class participation 10%.
• Essay 40% - week 8.
• In-class examination (2 hours) 40% - week 12.

Course Reader

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to critically analyse ideas about planning in the light of current practice.
• Ability to discuss, present and write coherently about the debates and themes of planning.
• Development of logical arguments.