Purpose and learning objectives

Half of the world’s population now resides in urban areas. Many lack access to sufficient incomes, housing, safe water and sanitation. The course analyses city and slum growth, environmental consequences and economic and social inequalities. The focus lies on local environments in cities of the South, on people’s provisioning strategies and their individual and collective actions.

Content and teaching methods

The course addresses theoretical perspectives on urban growth, urban environments and economic and political processes. Urban change is understood in the context of global processes. Theoretical insights are applied through the study of concrete sectors –water provision, housing etc – and cities. Various methods for studying urban processes and environmental impacts will be compared. The approach is cross-disciplinary.

Course facts

Course coordinator: Ilda Lourenco-Lindell.
Course code: KG7204.
Cycle: Second Cycle.
Main field of study: Urban and Regional Planning.
Language of instruction: English.
Pace percentage: 100%.
Course start: Spring Semester.
Semester period: A–B.
Module sharing: No.
Special eligibility requirements: Bachelor degree incl. 60 HECs in a social science discipline or in interdisciplinary environmental studiers, or the first 30 credits from the Master's Programme in Globalization, Environment and Social Change, and English B (from the Swedish upper secondary education or equal).
Selection: Higher Education Credits (up to 270).
Application: See the University course and programme database.

Detailed information, including grading criteria, is presented at the course and module introductions and via the collaboration and learning environment Mondo. Course syllabus, required reading and timetable are available below.