Taught In English

There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Number of sessions: 30
Length of each session: 1,5 h
Total length of the module: 40 hours

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
This course aims to highlight the urban dimension of the European society, making
reference to the different phenomena that European (and Spanish) cities face today. It
also aims to introduce the students in the economic, political and social factors that
configure urban Europe, in order to understand its development in a global world.
The course will also analyze the process of Spanish integration in the European Union,
highlighting the impacts (both positive and negative) in the economic, social and
political dimensions, focusing as well in the multicultural dimension of today's
European cities.
The course combines theoretical and more practical sessions, presenting case studies of
different European and Spanish cities. Field studies are organized as well.

CONTENTS
- The urban reality in Europe and Spain: Europe as a global urban region
- Urban economy and sociology: notions to set the debate
- Urbanization in a global economy
- Global cities and nodal regions: what opportunities and problems?
- Urban competitiveness and management for different types of urban regions
- Spanish cities in the European urban context: integration and diversity
An urban approach to Spain and Europe 2
- The role of cities in the European Union: Policies, programs, lobbies
- Introduction to multiculturalism: typologies and models of multiculturalism. The city
as incubator of the multicultural society

GRADING
Mid-term exam 20%
3 Papers based on practical sessions: 30% (10% each)
Class participation: 10%
Final Exam: 40%
TOTAL: 100%
MID-TERM EXAM: (20%): Exam to evaluate the knowledge that the student has
acquired in the first sessions of the course. It consists in 5 to 7 questions combining
multiple choice, definitions and short questions.
PAPERS (30%, 10 % EACH PAPER): 3 in-class assignments that have to be finished at
home by the student. The assignments will be the following:
- Assignment 1: Paper on film viewing
- Assignment 2: Paper on Field Visit to understand urban regeneration in Barcelona.
-Assignment 3: Paper on "How to measure creativity in cities: Is your city creative?"
Characteristics of the papers:
a) Deadlines: Meeting the deadline for assignments (one week time) is essential. Hand
in the assignment one day late means of 10% less in the assignment's final grade; two
days late 20%…
b) Format: Assignments have to be typed (Font: Times New Roman, Size 12, 1,5
space). Maximum length 5 pages – Minimum 3. Can be delivered printed or by email.
IN-CLASS PARTICIPATION (10%): Student's participation is encouraged. Asking
questions, responding to other students questions and contributing to an ongoing
discussion will be graded for every student on every session, counting for a 10% of the
total final grade. Therefore, active and meaningful participation in all sessions is worth
1 full point in the final grade.
FINAL EXAM (40%): The final exam includes all the topics presented during the
course. It consist of a written test with 5 to 7 questions, combining multiple choice,
definitions and more specific questions.
An urban approach to Spain and Europe 3

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sassen, S. The global city. N.J: Princeton Univ. Press, 2001 (Chapter X and Epilogue).
Florida, R. The rise of creative class. And how it's transforming work, leisure community and
everyday life. New York: Basic Books. 2002
Roberts, P. and Skies, H. (eds.). Urban Regeneration: A Handbook. London: Sage, 2000
Ritzer, G., The McDonalization of society; Pine Forge Press, 2000
Closa, C. Spain and the European Union, Houndmills Palgrave Macmillan, 2004