106-022 City Cultures: Urban Stories

Fifty points of first-year arts including at least 25 points from a specified list of subject areas, see Prerequisites.

This subject provides an introduction to a variety of ways in which city cultures have defined and articulated postmodern culture. Students will be introduced to contemporary urban narratives of places and spaces through a focus on city cultures, including those of New York and LA. Students will explore and analyse how the city has been represented in architecture, fiction and film, in order to consider how cities have become central to our theoretical understanding of contemporary cultures.

• develop social, ethical and cultural understanding of self and others;

• develop critical analysis and synthesis;

• develop effective written and oral communication;

• develop skills in information management and information literacy;

• acquire skills in teamwork, flexibility and tolerance;

• acquire skills in time management and planning.

A class presentation 10% (during the semester), an essay of 1200 words 40% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2800 words 50% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.