16235 Urban Economics

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2021 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: School of the Built Environment
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 16633 Microeconomics for Property

Description

This is a core subject that examines the economics of cities and urban regions. Through a series of lectures and discussions, this subject helps students understand and critically apply core concepts, theories and tools to urban growth, urban development and urban policy-making within the built environment. While emphasising economic forces that shape the urban processes, it realises that the urban economy is part of the national system and acknowledges the interconnections between urban, rural and peri-urban spaces. The 'economic' in urban economics is understood as enmeshed in complex social and environmental experiences. Themes covered include the drivers of the urban economy including agglomeration economies, the urban and spatial structure of economic growth and development, urban land rent and land use patterns, and sustainable urban development.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Demonstrate a good theoretical understanding of urban problems and prospects, including the place of 'property' in the process of urban economic growth and change within ecological limits.
2.	Apply key urban economics concepts in real world situations.
3.	Probe the role of various institutions in urban and regional development processes.
4.	Undertake research and provide a compelling presentation of its results in a professional manner.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

• Work effectively in culturally diverse contexts (A.2)
• Apply economic theory in analysing property markets (P.3)
• Apply knowledge of sustainability and environmental issues in built environment contexts (P.7)
• Critically analyse, structure and report the results of research (R.3)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

The teaching and learning activities of the subject include interactive lectures, tutorials and discussions between students in groups. To be successful in this subject, students need to do online readings before coming to class and answer related tutorial questions to prepare them for the tutorial sessions. Group work sessions consist of student?led discussions on contemporary urban economic issues, and, as such, independent and critical student?based learning is an essential teaching and learning strategy within this subject.

Students receive feedback on their learning activities during and after class. Feedforward is also available upon request and at the discretion of the teacher whose comments can be both oral and written and are given in or outside the lecture room.

Content (topics)

Topics covered in this subject include:

• Introduction to urban economics
• Why do cities exist?
• Why do firms cluster?
• City size
• Urban growth
• Urban land rent
• Land-use patterns
• Neighbourhood choice
• Urban poverty and disadvantage
• Economics of sustainable urban development

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Essay

Intent:	Students reflect on the fundamentals of urban economics and start thinking critically about their study of urban economics.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2 and 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): P.3, P.7 and R.3
Type:	Essay
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	30%
Length:	1500 words (penalties will be applied for essays that are more than 10% over the word limit). Please see additional information in the assignment brief.
Criteria:	This essay is assessed based on the following criteria: Focus, Research, Referencing, Structure, Expression, and Analysis. Further details can be found in the assignment brief on Canvas.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Demonstrates a sound understanding of relevant theories 25 1 P.3 Accurately applies concepts to address a main issue 25 2 P.3 Provides valuable insights on implications and policies 20 1 P.7 Depth of research, proper referencing, effective structure and clear writing 30 4 R.3 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Tutorial Exercises and Group Work

Intent:	Students apply their knowledge to solve problems in real?world settings. During group work sessions, they develop the skills of making decisions based on carefully considered analyses while on their feet or in a dialogue with other students.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2 and 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): A.2, P.3 and R.3
Type:	Exercises
Groupwork:	Group, group and individually assessed
Weight:	30%
Criteria:	This assessment includes two key tasks: tutorial exercises and groupwork engagement. The criteria for both tasks are explained in detail in the assignment briefs on Canvas.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Demonstrates a sound understanding of relevant theories and concepts 30 1 P.3 Accurately applies an economic argument to address an issue 30 2 P.3 Provides convincing evidence 20 2 A.2 Clear, concise and well-organised response 20 4 R.3 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Final Exam

Intent:	Urban economists are required to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, regardless they are in the public or private sector. In this task, students are asked questions that require them to develop their knowledge and skills of competently applying ideas and tools in urban economics in a real-world setting.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): P.3, P.7 and R.3
Type:	Examination
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	40%
Criteria:	This assessment is based on how well the student has appreciated the overall objectives of the subject. In particular, students are assessed on how well they are able to engage in theoretical reading of cities, how thoroughly they can apply concepts in urban economics to society, economy, and environment, and in what ways they can provide a carefully considered stance on contemporary urban policy issues.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Demonstrates a sound understanding of relevant theories 30 1 P.3 Accurately applies concepts to address a main issue 30 2 P.3 Assesses the role of institutions and impact of policies 20 3 P.7 Develops a carefully thoughtout stance on issues 20 4 R.3 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.

All students MUST attend at least 80% of all the class meetings for the semester.

Note: Attendance means being present for at least 80 per cent of the 3-hour meeting (2-hour lecture plus 1-hour tutorial).

Recommended texts

O’Sullivan A, 2012, Urban Economics, McGraw-Hill Irwin. Chicago. 8th Edition.

References

References will be provided in lecture materials and made available on the Canvas site.