University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Only available to those enrolling on the MA Combined Studies or already enrolled on the MA/BSc General degree taken in the evening.

Planned timetable: Lecture - Thurs 6.30 - 7.30 pm Practical - Thurs 7.30 - 9.30 pm

This module explores the diverse ways that people inhabit, engage, experience and imagine urban environments. Over half the population now live in cities and this is expected to rise to two-thirds in the next 50 years. What does it mean to be a human being in the city? Urban studies draw on a variety of disciplinary perspectives and we will address directly the benefits and challenges of an interdisciplinary approach. To begin, we review classic and modern urban theories drawing on a wide variety of examples. Next, we focus on three city case studies to see how life as experienced contributes to theoretical analysis. Finally, we consider how the city is imagined, as represented in film, literature and music, and what this adds to our understanding of urban life. From Ur to Athens to Motown, this module also incorporates academic skills training in some of the tutorials.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Must have passed any social science or humanities evening degree module

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1-hour lecture (x11 weeks), 2-hour practical or tutorial (x11 weeks), optional office hours by appointment

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 253

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr K L Lane
Module teaching staff: Dr K Lane
Module coordinator email kll5@st-andrews.ac.uk