Urban 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 course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills 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/

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.

• 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.

• 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%)

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.

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

• ability to analyse social and cultural contexts;
• critical thinking and analysis;
• development of logical arguments;
• criticial evaluation of policies and practices.