Content of Learning Activity

The course will enable students to understand the issues involved in the socio-political and socio-economic development of the urban environment by first presenting the precursors of sociological thinking on the city (Marx and Engels; Max Weber and Georg Simmel). The second part will look in greater depth at the Chicago School and urban ecology, followed by other French-speaking authors of urban sociology (including Henri Lefebvre, in the critical tradition, and Jean Remy, a thinker on social transactions). The third part of the course will deal with contemporary issues such as gentrification, the place of cultures, urban natures and the question of citizen participation in spatial planning.

The course will take the form of both a lecture and a seminar: students will be required to prepare and present readings of texts which will then be discussed in class. The examination will take the form of a written exam in which students will have to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the concepts, as well as their ability to apply the content covered in the course to produce an analysis of existing urban projects.
Part 1 - The precursors of sociological thinking on the city
Critical thought: Marx and Engels
Socio-historical thinking: Max Weber, the city and modernity
Sensitive thinking: Georg Simmel, cities and the life of the mind.

Part 2 - The birth and challenges of urban sociology in the 20th century
The Chicago school and urban ecology (Robert Parks and Ernest Burgess)
French urban sociology (Henri Lefebvre, Jean Remy, etc.)

Part 3 - Contemporary urban concepts and issues (indicative)
Segregation, suburbanisation, gentrification: ‘the three-speed city’ (Donzelot)
Urban capitalism, neoliberalism and globalisation: David Harvey and Saskia Sassen
The gender of the city
Urban culture(s)
Nature(s) in the city and environmental justice
Participation and urban governance

Required Learning Resources/Tools

Not applicable

Recommended Learning Resources/Tools

Not applicable

Other Recommended Reading

Not applicable

Mode of delivery

• Face-to-face

Type of Teaching Activity/Activities

• Cours magistraux

Evaluations

The assessment methods of the Learning Activity (AA) are specified in the course description of the corresponding Educational Component (UE)