The Economies of Cities and Regions

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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

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.

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.

• Midterm test of duration 60 minutes Week 6 or 7, in class or tutorial (25%);
• Final test of duration 60 minutes Week 12, in class or tutorial (25%);
• Position paper or field paper (2500 words), submitted Week 12 (30%);
• Presentation of position paper or field paper of duration 5 minutes Week 11 or 12, in class or tutorial, (10%);
• Class participation (10%), participation in weekly tutorial discussions throughout the semester.

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

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.