Norwegian

Course description

• Course content
• Learning outcome
• Admission
• Prerequisites

• Overlapping courses
• Teaching
• Examination
• Evaluation

Course content

This course provides in-depth studies of recent theories about urban policies and town planning, as well as empirical research that can clarify the content of these theories. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding correlations between social, cultural and economic changes (such as postmodern urban development and globalization) on the one hand, and on the other hand the growth of new forms of urban policies and town planning (such as entrepreneurship policy, governance, postmodern planning processes, neighbourhood strategies, liberalized housing policies, a focus on spectacular architecture and new urbanism) in cities in the western world. The course also deals with challenges related to architectural design, urban design and town planning at a low geographical level, whether in respect of blocks of flats in central areas or suburban development. A key issue is what kind of urbanism results from a more privatized and pluralistic town planning. At the same time, the significance of the local context is highlighted. Specific examples are given, also from Norway, of how new planning ideals and models are implemented. Emphasis is also put on exemplifying and discussing the contextual assumptions of the theory.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

You will:

• learn about key concepts and recent theories on urban policies and town planning 
• learn about the correlations between social, cultural and economic changes on the one hand, and on the other hand recent forms of urban policies and town planning
• become familiar with examples of what kind of urbanism results from a more privatized and pluralistic urban development

Skills

You will be able to:

• account for and discuss concepts and theories with a high degree of precision and reflection
• write and present a subject-related contribution or a contribution to a discussion based on the insights you have acquired during the course 
• write texts at a high theoretical level using empirical examples within a stated deadline. The written work must be of an explanatory nature and show a high level of precision and independence 

General knowledge

You will:

• have the ability to demonstrate a critical, analytical and professionally constructive attitude towards contemporary urban development and the political debate on this
• develop a curious and critical attitude to knowledge and research in this field

Admission

Admission to the course is dependent on admission to the master¡¯s degree programme in human geography.

Students with admission to other relevant master¡¯s degree programmes can apply for admission as guest students.

Students with admission to the programme or to individual courses must each semester register which courses and examinations they wish to sign up for in StudentWeb.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Admission to the master¡¯s degree programme in human geography. Students with admission to other relevant master¡¯s degree programmes can apply for admission as guest students.

Recommended previous knowledge

This course builds on SGO2100 - Bygeografi og urbanisme (Urban geography and urbanism) and SGO3100 - By- og regional utvikling (discontinued) at the bachelor¡¯s level in human geography. However, sitting examinations in these courses is not a prerequisite for taking this course.

Overlapping courses

The course replaces parts of SGO4012 - Bygeografi (discontinued) and SGO312, both of which are courses previously offered by the Department of Sociology and Human Geography.

Teaching

This course will be taught at The University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other location in Oslo may be used. Teaching includes lectures and seminars.

Examination

A 6-hour school exam at the end of the term.

The Faculty of Social Science is responsible for all written exams, and these exams are normally held at The University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used.

Examination support material

Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

• Explanation of grades and appeals

Resit an examination

If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.

See also our information about resitting an exam.

Withdrawal from an examination

It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Evaluation

The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.