MODULE 1 WEEK NO.

1-2
TAGOLOAN Community College
Baluarte, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental
Tel.No. (08822)740-835/(088)5671-215

Name: Marlon T. Jalop

BSED AP 2B

College/Department : Education/social studies

COURSE Code : SSE 3
Course Name : Urban Geography
2nd Semester of A.Y. 2021-2022

Introduction

Cities exist in an era of increasing geographically extended spatial flows. Rural to urban and
transnational migration is transforming the demography of cities in unprecedented ways, such that there is
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more internal multiplicity and the spatiality of city-dwellers is stretched between here and there. Where cities
end and rurality begins is unclear, and city effects pulse outwards drawing in rural-based lives and spaces,
creating hybrid urbanisms and new types of con- joined city regions. Cities are nowadays intensely embedded
in global networks of connectivity, be they economic, cultural or political.

Intended Learning Outcomes

A. Discuss the meaning of urban geography; and

B. Explain the role of urban geography and understanding cities

Activity

 Informal small group discussion: why Urban geography?

 Lecture &discussion:

Discussion

Topic:
1. Thinking about cites relationally

2.Unsettling Cities, Cities of Connection and Disconnection

What is Urban Geography?

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THE URBAN WORLD
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 We live in an urban world, or, more accurately, many different urban worlds. In July 2007,
for the first time in human history, the majority of the world’s population resided in cities.
This event, hailed as monumental in much media coverage, was, in itself, of little more than
symbolic importance. The trends, most notably massive urban growth in the Global South,
had been apparent for some time and show no sign of slowing down, let alone reversing. It is
against this background, a growing, dynamic urban world characterized by increasing
interconnection and inequality that faces challenges in the near future, including peak oil and
probable climate chaos, the world of urban geography. Urban geography texts always argue
that their publication coincides with exciting and challenging times for the city. They are
always correct. Whatever cities might be they are never boring. The dynamic and diverse
nature of the urban world presents a significant challenge for those attempting to write a
textbook to guide students through its complexities. For a general textbook, the aim should be
to provide the student with as comprehensive an overview as possible. However, this is
always only ever partially fulfilled. Textbooks, such as this one, are written by authors who
approach the study of the city in particular ways, drawing on their own set of knowledge and
experiences.

 Over the past century the human population has gone from being predominantly rural and
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agricultural to mostly urban and metropolitan. Why? Because the quality of life in cities and
towns is generally better than that of the rural countryside. Mobile populations (especially
young people) are attracted to the bright lights and activity of cities and towns. But
interestingly, few city-dwellers know how or why their cities are laid out or function the way
they do. Urban geography is the scientific study how and why cities grow and change and
how it affects their residents. Urban structures are physical representations of the social,
economic, and cultural processes occurring within urban areas. They are interlinked systems
of increasing complexity. To understand ourselves is the reason we study urban geography.
 First you need to define urban geography, which is more of a problem than you may think. I
consider it to be a sub-discipline within human geography. The latter essentially being the
study of the interface and interaction of humans and the world about them. Urban geography
would therefore tend to be focussed on urban environments and the human interactions and
interface within urban settings.
 Given that urban living is now common to more than half of the world’s population the
separation of urban geography is probably, ironically, of less relevance asa a separate
discipline. Rather it is now superseded by the wider social aspects of the umbrella human
geography.
 Human geography is essentially the study of the human interaction with the world, which
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must include the interactions between people as much as interactions with the wider natural
world. As a subject it embraces pretty much every aspect of human life, habitation,
populations and the human impact on the natural world - so human geography is almost
entirely about social things.

Unsettling cities unsettling cities

How does geography affect Urbanization

 You can answer this in a few different ways. First, the actual physical geography
(geomorphology, climate) will affect how the city can develop and where. Then there are
geographic factors such as demographics (is the city growing through immigration for
example; is the population aging as this will determine entertainment, recreation and housing
options as well as access for certain services). Is the city close to a major highway and other
major or smaller cities? Proximity other urban centres can limit growth whereas a highway

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expands access to other markets and visitors (increasing growth).
 Finally, there are geographic "laws" such as Central Place Theory (limiting growth at a
regional scale, industrial & retail clustering within the city), land use theory (zones
characterized by transportation and housing costs) and the rank size rule (again limits to
growth). I put the word "law" or "theory" in quotation marks because as much as like this
stuff, and it does help explain a lot, none of these concepts meets the test of a theory.
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Connecting the unconnected:  

The role of urban geography and understanding cities

1. Contributing to society does not have to be complex. We can simply start by making the
lives of our loved ones better. Supporting our spouse, encouraging our children, helping
our parents, being there for our friends – are all worthy contributions to society.
2. Creating a meaningful impact on one person is also a significant contribution to society.
That one person can change the situation for the better for an entire family or community.
3. We believe that kindness can be a powerful force that can change many lives. Being kind,
though it sounds simple, is not easy.
4. You can become an emissary and contribute to society by just being in a certain state of
mind and sending positive vibes to the world.
5. Gratitude is one of the strongest positive emotions and can contribute greatly to the
betterment of society.
6. pay taxes, you give the government the resources not just to build the infrastructure and
govern effectively, but also to the government support programs, NGOs that depend on
funding.
7. Invest in learning and apply our knowledge for the betterment of society.
8. The bravest thing you can do to contribute to society is to be yourself
9. Volunteer with the NGO that lives that purpose and helps them out.
10. Share the good in your life, contribute to society and then watch the good in life grow.
11. Contribute to society by supporting small businesses.
12. There are many small things that we can do to make an impact and save our planet.

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Exercise
(web-based research about a city)

 Graded individual :
Report: Students will be assigned a global city to discuss and research on. Their report should answer the
following questions:

1. How would you describe your city?

Well I don’t live in a city but in province. My city is too far from province, I live in a small province
with a population of just over but it’s a peaceful place no traffic no chemical smoke, less crime, not
supper loud.

2. What is your city known for?

My city know for a City of Golden Friendship

3. What makes your city a global city?\

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Cagayan de Oro City stands as the business, trade, information technology, and adventure tourism
center of Mindanao. In fact, it has become the leading convention center for Visayas and
Mindanao. Those planning to hold conventions or similar events can select from a wide range of
facilities including large convention halls and affordable training centers. As the "City of Golden
Opportunities", it is considered as the regional growth capital of Northern Mindanao and the focus
of investment in the region. It is also the transhipment point for agricultural and industrial
produce of nearby provinces.

Send: GOOGLE CLASSROOM

Assessment

ENCODED LONGBAND PAPER FONT SIZE 11 SINGLE SPACE)

 A range of definitions, concepts and ideas associated with the terms ‘city’ and ‘urban’ exist. It is
important that you are aware of the variety of ways in which urban areas can be defined and
thought about. As a student developing your understanding of cities, it is useful to reflect on the
ideas about urban areas that you already hold and how these link to broader ideas and beliefs. Either
individually or in conversation with family, friends or classmates think about the following question
(and do not read on before you have generated your own thoughts and reflections!): What do the
terms ‘city’ and ‘urban’ mean to you? Make a list of things that you think define ‘the city’ or ‘the
urban’.
ANSWER:
Cities generally have extensive systems for housing, transportation, sanitation, utilities, land use, production
of goods, and communication. The term city or urban it is a city with many people and buildings compared to
rural areas. it has transportation or terminals such as bus, jeep, and sidecar. Then they have stores or malls
where you can buy everything you need. it is also technologically advanced and everything like

 schools
 hospitals
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 office buildings
 playgrounds
 zoos
 parks shops
 house
 Banks
 Courts and courthouses
 Law library
 Hospital
 Clinics
 Physician's offices + Opticians Chiropractors Podiatrists Therapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists
 Acupuncturists
 Drug stores
 Dental offices
 Opticians
 Chiropractors
 Podiatrists
 schools - elementary, middle, high, technical, college, university
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 Spa
 gyms
 barber/beauty shops
 nail salon
 Theaters - Cinemas, little theater, comedy club, dinner theater,
 Restaurants
 Fast Food
 Grocery stores
 Drug stores
 Craft stores
 bookstores
 shoe stores
 malls
 outlet stores
 bakery
 Starbucks

Send: GOOGLE CLASSROOM

Reflection

 ENCODED LONGBAND PAPER FONT SIZE 11 SINGLE SPACE)

Essay title: ‘

What are some of the key issues facing cities around the world in the twenty-first century?

Commentary on essay title :

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An effective answer would outline some of the key urban trends and issues introduced in this opening chapter and would provide some examples of
these issues from cities around the world drawing on academic research into cities. It might also look to suggest which of these issues are the most
challenging ones facing cities. An excellent answer would look to move beyond this extended list and critically explore why these issues face cities and
why they present particular challenges. It would also look to set discussion more widely within academic writing on the city, evaluating different
perspectives, or lenses, adopted to look at urban issues.(350 words only)

Almost half the world's population now lives in urban areas and, as cities grow even larger, conditions for
civil cities are likely to get worse. This continuously swelling population, if not properly addressed, will lead
to several very serious problems. The most critical key issues facing cities around the world in the twenty-
first century are urbanization or increasing population in urban areas and pollution, Global Warming. Firstly,
urbanization, Such great increases in the urban population numbers lead to related problems like insufficient
homes, lack of schools and poor health and sewerage facilities. Urban areas have more jobs to offer and can
lure people out of rural areas with the promise of a better life and a higher-paying salary. People find more
jobs in virtually every industry while looking in cities and towns than they do searching rural locations.

There are more people in urban areas, which means there is more demand. The increased demand opens the
door to employment opportunities for a lot of people who can’t find a job in their rural hometown.

In developing countries, employment opportunities often open rapidly through the process of industrialization.
Every developing country goes through a period of industrialization, where jobs move from agriculture to
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production. People begin to move to cities and towns more frequently, adding to the urbanization of that
country. The region with the most rapid population growth within the next 35 years is expected to be Africa,
according to the PRB report. Nigeria's population, for example, is projected to double by 2050.

Pollution is abundant in cities due to dangerous gases being released into the atmosphere and toxic effluents
being dumped daily into streams and rivers. These cause significant pollution of air and water. This sorry
scenario is the result of billions of selfish decisions made by millions of uncaring individuals.
Next, cutting down of trees and forests to make way for agriculture and human habitation causes destructive
floods to occur, animals to be deprived of their habitat and become extinct, and temperatures to rise.
Ironically, the participation and support of governments and corporations in the name of development is like
adding salt to the wound.

Resources and Additional Resources

 eBook : Urban Geography 2015

 Jonas, A.E.G., McCann, E. and Thomas, M. (2015) Urban Geography: A Critical Introduction,
Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell

 Speck, J. (2013). Walkable city. How downtown can save America, one step at a time.
Farrar, Stratus and Giroux.

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Additional Resources:

● Legates, R.T. and Stout, F. (2016) The City Reader, 6th edn, Abingdon: Routledge
● Hewitt, L. and Graham, S. (2015) ‘Vertical cities: representations of urban verticality in
twentieth century science-fiction literature’, Urban Studies, 52(5): 923–937
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