This course will introduce students to the concept of the cultural city and creative regions and invite a cultural approach to the study of urban spaces. It will look at how agendas and economic factors shape these at local, national and international levels. It will equip students with knowledge of a range of theoretical and analytical approaches to urban cultural studies and encourage them to think critically about the ways in which the creative regions are constructed in policy and discourse.

9 x 1 hour lecture

9 x 1 hour seminar

1 x 2 hour field trip

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Critical Response Essay (2000 words) - 40%

■ Research Essay (3000 words) - 60%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the critical response essay, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the research essay, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 

This course aims to:

■ Provide a comprehensive introduction to key urban theories, trends, policies and dynamics

■ Equip students to map, critique and evaluate the key discourses, concepts and policies relevant to creative cities and urban policy

■ Enable students to research, structure and present their own arguments and methodological positions about the role of culture in cities and regions.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with key topics and debates affecting cultural cities and creative regions

■ Develop approaches to study and knowledge application in the fields of creativity and culture in the urban environment

■ Produce confident and well-argued ideas in class and in writing, in such a way that engages with relevant criticism

■ Carry out individual research in creative cities and culture, to present it in seminars, and to discuss it with seminar members

■ Evaluate key debates within the relevant academic literature on cultural regions and policy: