This is an introductory course that examines the evolution and economic function of cities, and significant factors that shape their growth and development from the perspective of European world cities, as a required course of the FYSA-Oxford Program. The class will use historic sites and urban systems as our interactive classroom to describe the development of urban and regional economies from economic, policy, and planning lenses. We will examine the impacts of technology, policy, and geography, and address questions related to sustainability. A key component of the class will be application of learned concepts and theories through engagement in the cities we visit.
- Be able to articulate key urban and regional development concepts, strategies, and issues.
- Demonstrate understanding of the development of world cities and draw connections between cities.
- Improve comprehension of present challenges faced by cities and think critically about potential solutions.
- Understand the role of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in economic development.
- Strengthen written, visual, and oral communication skills through iterative and group exercises.
Clark, G. Global Cities: A Short History. Brookings Institution Press: Washington, D.C. (available online through GT library)
Grade evaluations will be based on consistent, high-quality work over the entire program. Students will be evaluated on their timely and thorough completion of work, and their continuous and meaningful participation in class discussions, site visits, and collaborative learning exercises. Students are asked to complete the online course evaluation (CIOS) at end of term. The grade scale for the course will be:
Points Grade Description
90 – 100 A Exceptional
80 – 89 B Successful
70 – 79 C Satisfactory
60 – 69 D Poor
0 – 59 F Failure
Component % of Grade
Assignments 30%
Midterm 20%
Daily quizzes 10%
Group Multimedia project ` 15%
Final Exam 25%
Total 100%
Attendance is mandatory for all lectures and planned events. Class absences may be excused only in cases of predetermined accommodations, an emergency, or a severe illness. If you are not present to go into a site/museum with the ticket provided, if you arrive too late to enter because the class has already entered, if you are dismissed by a program or faculty member or a venue official because of ill-behavior or improper dress, or if you leave early without approved notice, that is missing class and you will be counted as absent. Unexcused absences will result in reduction of the final course grade by ½ a letter grade.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.