Outline

Overview

Cities and urbanisation are vital topics for study: with more than half the world's population now living in cities, the fate of the planet is increasingly tied to the urban process. Using examples from Sydney and beyond, this Unit of Study explores cities in all their messy diversity and dynamism. We consider how cities are shaped by urban processes that stretch across space and time, like colonisation and capitalist globalisation. And we examine how urban dwellers try to shape their cities in response, from urban informality to urban social movements. Lectures introduce students to key concepts and examples, and tutorials facilitate discussion of readings and reflections on lecture material. A full-day fieldtrip in the Sydney region supplements classroom learning, allowing us to observe and interpret urban processes in motion. On completion of the Unit, we aim for students to have new perspectives on the urban experience, and new ideas for improving our urban environments.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	GEOS1X01 or GEOS1X02 or DAAE1001
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GEOS2923
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kurt Iveson, kurt.iveson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kurt Iveson, kurt.iveson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Neil Coe, neil.coe@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Fred Marsh, frederick.marsh@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Essay-based exam covering key concepts in Unit	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Weekly Lecture Quiz A quiz will take place during each lecture to test understanding of key concepts. Each quiz is worth 1.25% of total assessment, so students who successfully complete 8 of the 11 weekly lecture quizzes can achieve full marks for this assessment.	10%	Multiple weeks	Weekly
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Early Feedback Task- Key Concept Reflection Students will be asked to write a short 500 reflection on a key concept in urban geography introduced in the Week 1 lecture and tutorial. #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 02 Due date: 03 Mar 2025 at 11:59	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research essay Answer question on key concepts set during semester	25%	Week 09 Due date: 30 Apr 2025 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Field trips and field trip report Report with observations and interpretations from field trip in Week 11	20%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2025 at 23:59	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial attendance and participation Constructive and informed contributions to tutorial discussions via reading	10%	Weekly	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Key Concept Reflection - early feedback task

Students will be asked to write a short 500 word reflection on a key urban geography concept.

Tutorial participation

Students required to attend and participate in weekly tutorials, including reading preparation

Weekly Quiz

Students to complete quiz on key concepts weekly during each lecture

Essay

2000 word essay on key concepts covered in Unit

Field Trip Report

1500 word report on field observations made during field trip

Final exam

Essay-based pen-and-paper exam testing understanding of key concepts and examples in the Unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Meets and surpasses ‘Distinction’ expectations, and which ‘shine out’ because of their innovative, high quality analytical abilities. It would usually be expected that less than 5% of students fall into this grade.
Distinction	75 - 84	Meets ‘Credit’ expectations but builds on these with high-level interpretative abilities, superior written or verbal expression and wider referencing (appropriate to the task). Approximately 10-15% of students may be expected to fall into this grade.
Credit	65 - 74	Meets ‘Pass’ expectations and displays elevated abilities to interpret ideas and present arguments. Approximately 30-35% of students would be expected to fall into this grade.
Pass	50 - 64	Displays ability to present material which shows an understanding of ideas, a capacity to develop arguments and to cite these appropriately. Approximately 60-65% of students may be expected to fall into this grade.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day for submitted work

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: cities and urbanisation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Settler Colonial Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Glocal Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Informal Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Neoliberal Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Smart Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Consuming Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Wild Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Ludic Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Rebel Cities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Reading the Landscape Fieldtrip	Field trip (8 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion: Sustainable Cities?	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and participation at tutorials is required and assessed.

Attendance and participation in a local field trip in Week 11 is required and assessed, and the Field Trip Report assignment is a hurdle task.

Attendance at lectures is strongly advised, and is assessed in the weekly lecture quiz.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no text book, weekly readings for tutorials will be available via eReserve on Canvas, further readings will be listed in lecture slides.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. explain the meaning and contextual usage of key terms used by human geographers (and other social scientists) in the analysis of urban and regional processes
LO2. use field observation as a method for analysing urban landscapes
LO3. undertake academic literature searches and be aware of the conventions relating to academic literature
LO4. undertake problem-solving research into urban and regional issues
LO5. appraise issues relating to contemporary urban and regional debates.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Minor changes to lecture content and the introduction of a weekly quiz have been made in response to student feedback from 2024.

Additional information

Every student should ensure that they consult the Unit of Study Outline document, and specific assessment instructions, that are available on the Canvas page for this Unit.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GEOS2123: The Geography of Cities and Regions

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links