Synopsis

Combining anthropological and sociological insights, this module aims to help students to understand social life and human experiences in urban settings. The module explores a range of theoretical approaches to the study of urban life, and evaluates their contributions, limitations and applicability in the global and regional contexts. The module compares urban development trends in Anglo-Western and Asian contexts, particularly focusing on urbanism in Southeast Asia. It will also identify contemporary urban social problems and solutions.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Trace and understand the development of theoretical interests in the city;
2. Appreciate the range of urban issues and problems in Anglo-Western and Asian contexts;
3. Critically evaluate and compare theoretical approaches to understanding urban societies and urban issues;
4. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which the urban environment both shapes and is shaped by sociocultural, economic, and political processes;
5. Compare and analyse the experiences in Anglo-Western and Asian cities, and especially in Southeast Asian cities;
6. Apply sociological and anthropological approaches to the analysis and understanding of local, national, regional, and global urban issues;
7. Develop a comprehensive understanding of different approaches to the understanding and analysis of urban societies and urban life, and to convey this clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms;
8. Develop the ability and confidence to compare and evaluate opinions, form and articulate personal opinions, and to reflect critically upon different approaches.