CRP409 URBAN POLITICS
| Course Code: | 1210409 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 5.0 |
| Department: | City and Regional Planning |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. OSMAN BALABAN |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The main objective of this course is to introduce the students to the theory and practice of urban politics. The course is designed to familiarize students with the political context of urban policies and restructuring, as well as conflicts/alliances among political actors (i.e. social classes, interest groups, etc.) over urban space. A special emphasis is placed on Turkish cities and the Turkish experience of urbanization. However, international experiences are also referred to and explained throughout the classes, when necessary.
The course comprises of three main parts. First part involves the lectures on theoretical foundations of urban politics. The second part deals with the political analysis of Turkish urbanization in the Republican Era. The third part focuses on current issues and problems of urban politics in Turkey, including urban regeneration, spatial inequalities, environmental problems, etc.
Course Content
The main objective of this course is to introduce the students to a theory informed political analysis of urban question. In the first part of the course, issues such as local state, interest groups, urban planning, world cities and urban inequalities are discussed with reference to a) theoretical considerations, b) experiences of various countries and c) the Turkish case. In the second part, students take up certain issues approved by the instructor and make presentations in the class
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course the students will have a comprehensive knowledge of the theories of, and contemporary issues in urban politics. They will have acquired the understanding that urban development does not take place in a vacuum but has a political background. The students will have the sufficient knowledge to discuss and critically evaluate the major theoretical approaches in urban politics field. With the help of such knowledge, they will grasp and also analyze the political background of urban development. The students will be able to set the links between practical issues of urbanization and wider political processes at both national and local levels.