This module explores issues surrounding sustainable development in the cities of both developed and less-developed countries, and identifies the bases for effective urban governance. The module begins by considering the key characteristics of contemporary urbanisation and the issues and challenges that these present for sustainability and urban environmental management. Changing attitudes to urban growth and management are then identified and explained. This is followed by a comparison of informal and formal approaches to urban management and an evaluation of participatory means of management of urban environmental infrastructure. Throughout the module attempts to engage with the sustainable development agenda within the cities context are examined using examples drawn from: urban lifestyles, health, water and sanitation and climate change. In particular the module places emphasis on the relationship between urbanisation and climate change, explores the need for cities to place strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation at the heart of their sustainability agendas and critically examines the role of effective urban governance structures in progressing urban sustainability agendas.

1. an electronic seminar presentation (30%) (1800 words) (Learning outcomes 1, 4, 5)
2. a newspaper article(s) on urban governance (30%) (1800 words) (Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5)
3. a 2400-word essay (40%) (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5)

Additional Assessment Details:
1. The seminar presentation provides the opportunity to critically appraise and evaluate the challenges to sustainability within a contemporary urban environment.
2. The writing of the newspaper article(s) provides an alternative format to communicate and analyse the wider public debate regarding urban sustainability and urban governance.
3. The research essay will allow you to show your overall appreciation of the key concerns of the module, and demonstrate your understanding and capability in applying concepts and theory to the analysis of information derived from researching textual sources.

Formative Assessment:
Formative feedback opportunities are provided throughout the module, requiring the submission of summaries, commentaries and observation to the tutors and fellow peers through discussion boards. In addition, for the three summative assignments specific provision is made for formative feedback of draft plans.

Computer facilities for accessing Blackboard and Staffordshire University's e-resources, and appropriate software packages.

It is expected that students allocate a minimum of 30 hours to engage and interact with their tutors and fellow peers. The module will run over 16 weeks, and will normally include 4 weeks for you to complete the assessments to be graded. Over this period, you will work through self-instructional course material in a VLE which structures your learning by outlining a programme of specific activities and tasks. To complete these you will be reading and critically engaging with key texts, papers and other documentary resources. 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.

Particular emphasis is made in this module to provide a varied diet of learning, and linked assessment, strategies. Alongside the research and academic writing skills employed to address the essay question, you will be required to engage in the main debates in a manner that can be communicated to an intelligent, yet 'non-academic' audience in using both the newspaper medium and the virtual seminar presentation.

Independent Study Hours
(a) independent learning (150 hours) through guided reading from core texts and the use of web-based materials to develop a detailed knowledge of selected contemporary environmental issues at UK, European and global scales.
(b) Assessment Preparation (120 hours) for planning, researching / drafting / writing /editing / producing assignments (36 hours each for assignments 1 and 2 and 48 hours for assignment 3)

Bulkeley, H. & Betsill, M. (2005) Cities and Climate Change: Urban Sustainability and Global Environmental Governance. Routledge, London.

Devas, N. (2004) Urban Governance, Voice and Poverty in the Developing World.
Earthscan, London

Evans, Bob Joas, Marko Sundback, Susan (2005) Governing Sustainable Cities Earthscan, London

Marcotullio Peter J. and McGranahan, Gordon (eds.) (2006) Scaling Urban Environmental Challenges From Local to Global and Back Earthscan, London

Roberts, Peter, Ravetz, Joe, and George Clive (2009) Environment and the City ISBN: 978-0-415-30247-0 Routledge, London.

UN-HABITAT (2011) Cities and Climate Change: Global Report on Human Settlements 2011. Earthscan, London.

Wheeler Stephen M. and Beatley, Timothy (eds.) (2004) The Sustainable Urban Development Reader. Routledge, London.