In an age, where
for the first time in human history, more people now live in cities than
outside of them, this course examines the social, political, economic and
historical dimensions of the modern city. It includes a range of case studies,
from both the Western world and the Global South. Questions considered include,
is the city a site for greater equality or inequality, will cities rise to
replace states as key actors in global relations and does the recent growth in
urban art and social movements herald a new understanding of urban realities?
No background information is needed for this course. It is dynamic, discursive
and enjoyable, with students encouraged to bring their perspectives, passions
and experiences to share.
Monday
Urban Realities:
What is a City?
Introduction - a
consideration of different images of cities from a round the world and
discussion of the different ways (cultural, political and economic) in which we
encounter and shape modern cities.
Tuesday
The City - Greeks
to Global
A brief overview of
cities and their global importance, from Ancient Greece to the modern era of
globalisation. Case studies include: Ancient Greece, the Italian city states,
the Victorian "wave” or urbanisation and the post-1970s mass urbanisation.
Wednesday
The City -
Marginalised, hidden and forgotten?
Poverty, inequality
and growth. Why do so many people move to cities, only to find themselves in
extreme poverty? Do cities' inequality and marginalising features hold the key
to their own destruction?
Thursday
The City - Art,
Social Movements and Portrayals
Recent times have
seen an explosion in both the number and prevalence of artistic critiques
regarding cities and their functions. These are breaking down modern
understandings of the use of space, dialogue and identity. Case studies include:
cities in art, architecture, art as a form of rebellion and the growth of urban
protest movements.
Friday
The City -
Replacing States in the Twenty-First Century?
For centuries,
scholars and politicians have treated states as the most important actor in
international relations. Today, the city represents a very real challenge to
states' dominance of international politics. Will cities and their leaders come
to dominate our current century and the big decisions that have to be made
(including in immigration, climate change and economic sustainability)? Case
studies include London, Rio de Janiero and Mumbai, as this course concludes its
global tour.
Max Stafford
About Max
Max is a doctoral researcher at Canterbury Christ
Church University. Having previously worked for two former cabinet ministers
and advised on a range of political campaigns since 2010, he now teaches
subjects including British politics, political leadership and international
urban developments. He gained his BA in Politics and Global Studies (First
Class) in 2013 and his MA in Managing Contemporary Global Issues (Distinction)
in 2015. He brings his professional and practical experience to bear in his
teaching, seeking to make sessions engaging and informative. He welcomes all
comers to his courses.
