2026
Urban Geography
Name: Urban Geography
Code: PAO15304L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Geography
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
? Understand, grasp and transmit GU theories, concepts and scientific knowledge in a coherent and logical manner, in oral and written form.
? Know the processes of historical evolution and development of cities;
? Identify and characterise the morphologies and components of urban landscapes;
? Analyse and understand the multiple dynamics that mark functional organisation;
? Evaluate the problems arising from urban expansion and the integration of the city into the landscape;
? Apply and develop methods and techniques for collecting and processing data (including its graphic and cartographic representation);
? Articulate GU knowledge with that of other CUs and produce transversal syntheses
? Critically apply the knowledge acquired to concrete problem situations or simulations based on the real contexts of work as an urban geographer.
? Know the processes of historical evolution and development of cities;
? Identify and characterise the morphologies and components of urban landscapes;
? Analyse and understand the multiple dynamics that mark functional organisation;
? Evaluate the problems arising from urban expansion and the integration of the city into the landscape;
? Apply and develop methods and techniques for collecting and processing data (including its graphic and cartographic representation);
? Articulate GU knowledge with that of other CUs and produce transversal syntheses
? Critically apply the knowledge acquired to concrete problem situations or simulations based on the real contexts of work as an urban geographer.
Contents
1 Theories and concepts
1.1 Urban, urbe, urbanisation, urbanism
1.2 Fundamental urban theories
2. The origin and historical evolution of cities
2.1 From the first cities to the Industrial Revolution
2.2 Development and restructuring of cities
2.3 Urbanised world
3.Functional organisation of urban space
3.1 Urban forms
3.2 Urban functions
3.3 Urbanisation models, urban networks and city-regions
4.Urban problems
4.1 Expansion and disintegration of the urban landscape
4.2 Spatial injustice and degradation of quality of life
4.3 Ageing and touristification of historic centres
5.Urban policies
5.1 Rehabilitation, public space and health
5.2 Transport and energy transition
5.3 Innovation in the urban economy, regeneration and trade
5.4 Housing, dwelling and habitat
5.5 Cities of the future and the future of cities
1.1 Urban, urbe, urbanisation, urbanism
1.2 Fundamental urban theories
2. The origin and historical evolution of cities
2.1 From the first cities to the Industrial Revolution
2.2 Development and restructuring of cities
2.3 Urbanised world
3.Functional organisation of urban space
3.1 Urban forms
3.2 Urban functions
3.3 Urbanisation models, urban networks and city-regions
4.Urban problems
4.1 Expansion and disintegration of the urban landscape
4.2 Spatial injustice and degradation of quality of life
4.3 Ageing and touristification of historic centres
5.Urban policies
5.1 Rehabilitation, public space and health
5.2 Transport and energy transition
5.3 Innovation in the urban economy, regeneration and trade
5.4 Housing, dwelling and habitat
5.5 Cities of the future and the future of cities
Teaching Methods
The teaching methodologies include interactive exposition in the discussion of theoretical concepts, then applying them to practical examples, often stimulating the geographies of the students' everyday lives. To this end, questioning, debates and individual and co-operative (group) application exercises are promoted, based on real situations/problems or using simulations.
Problem-based teaching strategies materialise in the approach to the various themes, encouraging critical reading, autonomous research and structured communication, constantly articulating theory and practice. The use of project-based teaching methodologies in group work makes it possible to articulate the objectives with the sequence of syllabus contents. This work is carried out outside of class, presupposing a field trip and interaction with the community (where the case study is located) using specific methodologies.
Problem-based teaching strategies materialise in the approach to the various themes, encouraging critical reading, autonomous research and structured communication, constantly articulating theory and practice. The use of project-based teaching methodologies in group work makes it possible to articulate the objectives with the sequence of syllabus contents. This work is carried out outside of class, presupposing a field trip and interaction with the community (where the case study is located) using specific methodologies.
Assessment
Continuous evaluation will be made up of a) an individual test (60%), b) group work to be carried out following the field trip comprising: discussion of the work program; oral presentation; and written report (30%); c) participation in debates when presenting the work of all the groups (10%). The parameters of the evaluation are presented, discussed and agreed with the classes.
Final evaluation ? exam 100%
Final evaluation ? exam 100%
Accreditations and Certifications
