The Economies of Cities and Regions

Subject ABPL90246 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
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: 1 x 2 hour lectures per week; 1 x 1 hour tutorial
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:
Subject
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 Jennifer Day

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre
Ground Floor, Baldwin Spencer (building 113)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Web: http://edsc.unimelb.edu.au/
Email: edsc-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject explores planning and policy making for productive and competitive urban settlements by investigating the economic drivers, activities, and interrelationships of cities and regions. You will examine how making and moving of goods, services, and jobs shapes the vitality, structure and governance of cities and regions. Complex planning issues, requiring judgements about the competing demands of economic development and social needs, are associated with the growth and decline of sectors and places in their particular urban contexts. Various economic perspectives and examples are used to show and interpret how urban activities and sectors – such as manufacturing, transport, services, recreation, and creative activities – have locational and network impacts within and between cities. Special attention will be paid to comparative analysis and innovation in developing cities and regions, and to the implications of market failures and inequalities produced by economic development activities.

Learning Outcomes:

The subject aims are that on completion of the subject, students will be confident and competent in:

  1. Understanding the foundation and development of economic activities in cities and regions;
  2. Understanding basic principles, priorities, and pitfalls of economic analysis;
  3. Appropriately analysing the social and equity outcomes of economic development agendas and plans;
  4. Developing justifiable planning responses to (un)desirable changes in urban economic activities.
Assessment:
  • mid term exam (1000 words, 25%) due 17 April
  • final exam (1000 words, 25%) due 9 June
  • Position paper or field paper (2500 words, 30%) due 29 May
  • Presentation of position paper or field paper (500 words, 10%) week 11 or 12
  • Class participation (10%)
Prescribed Texts:

Arthur O'Sullivan (2011). Urban Economics, 8th Edition. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, Boston

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Generic skills developed through completion of this subject:

  1. Select and summarise topical events and relevant literature using appropriate academic conventions.
  2. Effectively communicate key ideas and analysis in putting forward a clear and defensible position.
Related Course(s): Graduate Diploma in Property Valuation
Master of Design (Urban Design)
Master of Property
Master of Property
Master of Urban Design
Master of Urban Planning
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 200 point Master of Property
300 point Master of Property
Melbourne School of Design multidisciplinary elective subjects
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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