Intensifying processes of urbanisation worldwide mean that cities will dominate the twenty-first century. This course explores some of the profound changes that are currently taking place in cities and evaluates what this means for understanding contemporary social transformation. Through a range of case studies, this course investigates how cities are the sites of some of the most significant technological, ecological, social and cultural challenges of our time. It introduces a range of critical urban theories that can help to explain these diverse challenges, in addition to pinpointing some progressive political and ethical responses that might improve the liveability and sustainability of cities as they swell in scale and diversity.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand historical and contemporary sociological accounts of cities and urbanisation;
- evaluate the contribution that the discipline of sociology makes to the study of social transformation and social inequality in cities;
- identify different forms of social transformation in cities and analyse their diverse effects; and
- reflect on and discuss their own learning as it relates to the key themes, debates and theories of the course.
Indicative Assessment
- Typical assessment may include, but is not restricted to: research essays, case study papers, and tutorial participation, and other assessment as appropriate. See class summary for final details for 2025. (100) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up of: workshops, lectures, independent student research, and other learning activities.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.