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Patrick Le Galès

Urbanization is reaching a new peak in the contemporary world with the rise of mega cities. Researchers try to make sense of these large urban areas using a variety of concepts. The class will review debates and present social science models of cities to analyse and compare contemporary developments.

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Urbanization is reaching a new peak in the contemporary world with the rise of mega cities. Researchers try to make sense of these large urban areas using a variety of concepts. The class will review debates and present social science models of cities to analyse and compare contemporary developments.

General Overview Help Center

Urbanization is reaching a new peak in the contemporary world with the rise of mega cities. Researchers try to make sense of these large urban areas using a variety of concepts. The class will review debates and present social science models of cities to analyse and compare contemporary developments.

Globalization, Europeanization processes support the rapid developments of cities in different part of the world. Urbanization is reaching a new high in the contemporary world with the rise of mega cities (beyond 15 million inhabitants) such as Calcutta, Los Angeles, Dhaka, Cairo, Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, Mexico or Seoul. Beyond the modern metropolis, researchers try to make sense of these large urban areas using a variety of concepts such as the ‘postmetropolis’, ‘global cities’, and ‘global city-regions’. The class will review debates and present social science models of cities and metropolis to analyse and compare contemporary developments. How can do we study those cities when they become mega urban regions, does size matter and for what? Do we see the making of a vast urban world or by contrast beyond the apparent convergence of complex globalisation processes understood in relation to globalised capitalism, is it possible to identify masked differentiations and the strengthening of different urban worlds? How do we make sense of this urban world when cities are not independent units but have to be understood both in terms of territories, rootedness, and at the same time in terms of relations to take into account flux, mobility, circulations ? What is the relevance of social science concepts developed in the Western world to analyse the transformation of Lagos? To what extent may the systematic development of new forms of comparison between northern cities and cities from the South change social sciences and contribute to overcome the bias towards national comparison?

For the time being, given current conditions of capitalism, political, economic, cultural and social questions are increasingly becoming urban questions. In the modern conception of the world/globalcity, characterised by size, the aggregation of housing, differentiated divisions of labour, and the density of interaction, several conceptions of cities exist which have become entangled and sometimes opposed to each other. These different conceptions underline different processes of integration: the material city of walls, squares, houses, roads, light, utilities, buildings, waste, and physical infrastructure; the cultural city in terms of imaginations, differences, representations, ideas, symbols, arts, texts, senses, religion, and aesthetics; the politics and policies of the city in terms of domination, power, government, mobilisation, public policies, welfare, education; the social city of riots, ethnic, economic and gender inequalities, everyday life and social movements; and the economy of the city : the division of labour, scale, production, consumption, trade.....

Classic urban questions about inequalities, housing, government, integration, are combined with issues about the urban fabric, questions of mobility and rootedness, sustainable development and risks, the making of the cyborg cities, questions of social control and riots, urban culture, innovation and urban economic development.

All video produced by Sciences Po for this Mooc are under Creative Commons (BY / NC / SA)

Recommended Background

The course is designed for undergraduates but it also will interest graduates and professionals concerned in urban issues.

The course is organized in 8 sequences and displays multimedia contents (images, video, original documents). There will be also assignments that consist in participating to discussions related to theoretical models presented in the course based on case studies of your choice, and peer assessments on your contributions.

Syllabus :

Week #1 : Introduction, definition, urban questions and the use of models

Week #2 : European cities and the weberian model of integration

Week #3 : Colonial and post colonial cities

Week #4 : Industrial cities (and Socialist cities) and Marxist models

Week #5 : The American metropolis and the Chicago School,

Week #6 : Post metropolis, fragments and differences

Week #7 : Global cities and mega cities

Week #8 : Smart cities and the sociology of science and technology

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 – Introduction
Introduction to urban sociology
Week 2 – European City
European city model
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Week 3 – Colonial City
Colonial city model
Week 4 – Industrial City
Industrial city model
Week 5 – Metropolis
Metropolis model
Week 6 – Global City
Global city model
Week 7 – Post Metropolis
Post metroplis model
Week 8 – Digital City
Digital city model

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for undergraduates interested in urban issues
Introduces key concepts and models in urban sociology
Provides a historical perspective on the evolution of cities
Examines the role of technology and globalization in shaping contemporary cities
Taught by an experienced researcher in urban sociology
Assumes some prior knowledge of social science concepts

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Reviews summary

Urban studies course

Learners say this course is interesting and provides perspective on international views of urban planning and sociology. Students find this course useful for getting into the subject, especially the typologies of cities from historical European cities to Megalopolis.
This course provides a good introduction to urban studies.
"useful to get into the subject"
"Not a very in-depth"
Learners appreciate the global perspective on urban issues.
"It gave me perspective on international views of urban planning and sociology"
Students find the content engaging and interesting.
"interesting course"
"I thoroughly enjoyed the course."
"A very interesting path"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cities are back in town : urban sociology for a globalizing urban world with these activities:
Explore Urban Data Visualization Tools
Master urban data visualization techniques to effectively communicate urban patterns and trends.
Browse courses on Data Visualization Tools
Show steps
  • Review online tutorials on data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, ArcGIS).
  • Experiment with different visualization techniques (e.g., charts, maps, graphs).
  • Apply the learned techniques to a small urban data set.
Read 'Urban Sociology' by Patrick Le Galès
Examine foundational theories and research in urban sociology to build a learning foundation.
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1-3 of the book, focusing on the evolution and key concepts of urban sociology.
  • Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in each chapter.
  • Identify key terms and concepts that are relevant to the course.
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Cities are back in town : urban sociology for a globalizing urban world will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sociologist
A Sociologist studies society and human behavior. They research and analyze social institutions, processes, and change. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that shape urban life. This course can help Sociologists to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes policy issues. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that address a variety of social and economic issues. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that affect policymaking. This course can help Policy Analysts to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Housing Policy Analyst
A Housing Policy Analyst researches and analyzes housing policy issues. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that address the needs of low-income and homeless populations. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that affect housing affordability and homelessness. This course can help Housing Policy Analysts to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Demographer
A Demographer studies population trends and patterns. They research and analyze data on birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that affect population change. This course can help Demographers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
City Manager
A City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a city. They oversee a variety of departments, including public works, planning, and finance. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the complex social and economic issues that cities face. This course can help City Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Political Scientist
A Political Scientist studies politics and government. They research and analyze political systems, institutions, and policies. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that affect political behavior. This course can help Political Scientists to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Social Worker
A Social Worker provides counseling, support, and resources to individuals and families in need. They work with a variety of clients, including the elderly, the homeless, and the mentally ill. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that affect social problems. This course can help Social Workers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Geographer
A Geographer studies the Earth's surface and human-environment interactions. They research and analyze the physical and human characteristics of different regions. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that shape the development of cities. This course can help Geographers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Historian
A Historian researches and analyzes the past. They write books, articles, and other works that explore historical events, people, and ideas. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that have shaped the development of cities over time. This course can help Historians to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Anthropologist
An Anthropologist studies human societies and cultures. They research and analyze social institutions, customs, and beliefs. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that shape urban life. This course can help Anthropologists to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works with community members to identify and address social and economic issues. They organize meetings, rallies, and other events to raise awareness and build support for their causes. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that affect community development. This course can help Community Organizers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Urban Designer
An Urban Designer plans and designs cities and towns. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to create livable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing communities. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that shape the built environment. This course can help Urban Designers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Real Estate Developer
A Real Estate Developer acquires, develops, and manages real estate properties. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including investors, architects, and contractors. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that affect the real estate market. This course can help Real Estate Developers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Journalist
A Journalist researches and writes news stories and articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, crime, and social issues. A strong understanding of urban sociology is essential for this role, as it provides insights into the social and economic factors that affect news stories. This course can help Journalists to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops plans for the use of land in cities, towns, and counties. These professionals address issues related to housing, transportation, economic development, land use, environmental protection, and historic preservation. A thorough understanding of the urban world is necessary to be successful in this role. This course provides the necessary background through an exploration of the history of cities, the different models of cities that have been developed over time, and the challenges that cities face today.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cities are back in town : urban sociology for a globalizing urban world .
This edited volume collection of classic and contemporary essays and excerpts that perfectly complements this course. It provides a broad overview of the field of urban sociology and introduces students to a variety of theoretical perspectives.
Seminal work in urban sociology that explores the relationship between space and society. It must-read for anyone interested in understanding the social and political dynamics of cities.
Comprehensive overview of the contemporary urban condition. It explores the social, economic, and political forces that are shaping cities around the world.
Foundational text in the field of urban sociology. It examines the rise of global cities and their impact on the global economy and society.
This edited volume presents a comprehensive overview of urban theory. It includes a range of classic and contemporary essays that explore the different ways in which we can understand cities.
More recent addition to the field of urban sociology, and centers on the experiences of individuals living in cities. It explores the ways in which cities shape our identities and our relationships with others.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on cities. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the most recent developments in the field of urban sociology.
Classic text in the field of urban planning. It critiques the modernist approach to city planning and argues for a more organic and human-centered approach.
Biography of Robert Moses, one of the most powerful and influential figures in the history of New York City. It provides a fascinating look at the ways in which power and politics shape the development of cities.
Save
More recent addition to the field of urban studies. It provides a critical look at the state of American cities and offers some suggestions for how to improve them.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on smart cities. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the ways in which technology is changing the way we live in cities.

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