CRP495 URBAN POLITICAL ANALYSIS
| Course Code: | 1210495 |
| 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. MELİH ERSOY |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The terms “urban” and “politics” went hand in hand throughout the history. As Lefebvre puts: “There is politics of space because space is political”. Urban life embraced power and politics from the very emergence of the human settlements. The aim of this course is to introduce the students to the basic concepts and theories of political power, state, local state and their analysis in urban context. The course is organized into three parts. The first part is devoted to the methodological problems which is indispensable for the scientific analysis of social and political issues. Such an introduction is a must, to comprehend, evaluate and debate the material presented in the latter sections of the course properly. Part two examines in a summary manner the theories developed about the state (i.e. the ultimate organization of political power) in general and the capitalist state in particular. Part three deals with the local state, the role played by and functions fulfilled by the state in urban context. The course will be conducted in a lecturedemonstration mode. Readings are to be regarded as reference material, “suggested” rather than “required”. Because of the length of the overall list, students will be expected to read selectively- choosing some areas for intensive reading and others for skimming according to particular interests.
Course Content
Structured around the urban life. Embraces power and politics from the very emergence of the human settlements. Introduction to the basic concepts and theories of political power, state, local state and their analysis in urban context.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course the students will have a comprehensive knowledge of the different methodological approaches in relation to different social theories on state, local state, urban studies and urban planning. They are expected to have the knowledge and skills to comprehend and evaluate the – mostly not declaredtheorethical approaches of the writers on different urban political issues by studying various texts.