Urban History

Subject ABPL20034 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 02-Mar-2015 to 31-May-2015
Assessment Period End 26-Jun-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 13-Mar-2015
Census Date 31-Mar-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 08-May-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2x1 hour lecture per week, 1x1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr David Nichols

Contact

Email: nicholsd@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Metropolitan areas have changed substantially through history. This subject examines the ideas, values and forces which influenced the physical growth and development of urban areas in the developed world. Using examples in Melbourne where possible and focusing on specific features and concepts of space and community, the subject considers social, economic, political and environmental processes of urban change. it provides opportunities for students to speculate on the future of our cities in the twenty-first century and to consider the role of the planner, the citizen, governing bodies, and other forces on the shape and changing role of the city.

Learning Outcomes:
  • understanding the major themes in past and present urban development;
  • ability to critically analyse ideas about urban history and related issues in the light of the current state of cities;
  • ability to discuss, present and write coherently about the debates and themes of urban development.
Assessment:
  • 400 word assignment (10%)
  • 1000 word class paper (presentation and written paper) (20%)
  • 2000 word essay (30%)
  • Final 2-hour exam (30%)
  • Class attendance and participation (10%)
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Davison, Graeme (2004, 1979) The Rise and Fall of Marvellous Melbourne. Carlton: Melbourne University Press.

Forster, Clive (2004, 1999, 1995) Australian Cities: Continuity and change. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Hall, Peter (2002) Cities of Tomorrow: An intellectual history of urban planning and design in the twentieth century. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Mumford, Lewis (1961) The City in History. New York: Harcourt Brace.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • ability to analyse social and cultural contexts;
  • critical thinking and analysis;
  • development of logical arguments;
  • criticial evaluation of policies and practices.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Architecture major
Environments Discipline subjects
Restrictions for Breadth Options within the Bachelor of Environments - relating to specific majors
Urban Design and Planning major
Related Breadth Track(s): Urban Design and Planning
Urban Planning

Download PDF version.