8 hours workshop
142 hours independent study

You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and learning resources and examine case study material from a selection of cities. The workshop will also introduce module themes through the use of video and textual resources. Over subsequent weeks you will then work through self-instructional course material providing a structure for reading key texts and papers and specifying tasks to be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in a designated learning group.

A. one 2500-word essay (1, 2, 4)
B. Newspaper articles on urban governance (1000 words) (2, 3, 4)

Pass criteria
You will demonstrate a sound awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed reasonably and coherently. Work is academically sound, evidencing focussed observations and acknowledging key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and thorough critical analysis of the available literature.

Distinction criteria
You will demonstrate an excellent awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are well argued and excellently organized. Work is academically excellent, evidencing perceptiveness, insight and demonstrating creativity and originality. There is evidence of excellent reading, systematic review and thorough critical meta-analysis of the available literature.

A networked computer for accessing Blackboard, web sites and electronic journals.
Course texts.
Learning pack.
Various online journals

Hardoy, J.E., Mitlin, D. & Satterthwaite, D. (2001) Environmental problems in an urbanizing world [London, Earthscan]
U.N.C.H.S. (Habitat) (2001) Cities in a globalizing world: global report on human settlements 2000 [London, Earthscan]

Counter-urbanization has become a real feature of the west since the 1960s, whilst in the less developed world, urban areas are growing at increasing rates. This module explores issues surrounding sustainable development in the cities of both the north and the south and identifies opportunities for effective urban governance. Recent fundamental changes in attitudes to urban growth and management in the developed and the developing world are identified and explained while informal and formal approaches to urban management are compared. Impacts of urban growth and activities on rural environments, and cities' dependence on rural sources for supply of food and water and other inputs, are examined within a consideration of urban sustainability. In addition, you will independently examine one city in order place the modules? content within the context of a single urban setting.