166-255/355 Sociology of Urban Experience

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Content:

This subject introduces sociological explorations of social practice, relationship and identity in the urban context. Grounded in sociological analyses of urban experience (from Weber, the Chicago School to contemporary urban sociology), key dimensions explored are the sociology of neighbourhood (with reference to gender and community studies), the suburban experience, forms of spatial practice from graffiti and gangs, modes of local mobilisation of resources from ethnic networks to urban social movements, forms of constituting public spaces, young people and childrens experience of place, and the contemporary experience of urban poverty. The subject examines a number of case studies, as well as engaging with the urban sociology emerging in Latin America and Asia. The subject involves a team-based fieldwork exercise.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• L. Bryson, An Australian newtown: life and leadership in a working-class suburb, Ringwood: Penguin (1972).
• R. Sennett, The Conscience of the Eye: the design and social life of cities, 1990.
• M. Auge, Non-places, Verso, London, 1995.
• M. Berman, All that is solid melts into air, N.Y.: Viking Penguin, 1988.