University of Technology Sydney

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 2024 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
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

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. Urban Economics explores the nature of cities and emphasises the economic forces that shape the urban processes. While acknowledging the interconnections between urban, rural and peri-urban spaces, it further examines the causes of urban problems such as poverty, disadvantage and urban sustainability. The 'economic' in urban economics is understood as enmeshed in complex social and environmental experiences. The themes covered include the drivers of the urban economy including agglomeration economies, the urban and spatial structure of economic growth and change, urban land rent and economics of urban sustainability.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

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 economic 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
  • Key concepts of urban economics
  • Trading and factory towns
  • Agglomeration economies
  • Where do cities develop?
  • Cities in a regional economy
  • Land rent and manufacturing land
  • Urban poverty and disadvantage
  • Economics of urban sustainability
  • The post-COVID 19 urban economy

Assessment

Assessment task 1: 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 2: Critical Commentary

Intent:

Students reflect on the fundamentals of urban economics and start thinking critically about their study of urban economics. In this assessment, each student will write a critical commentary on the topics covered within the first several weeks. Students have to incorporate their conceptual understanding and present a critical reflection, including examples where applicable. The assessment expectations will be discussed during the sessions.
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: Reflection
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Length:

1000 words (±10%). Penalties will be applied for commentaries that do not meet the word limit requirement. The word count excludes the cover page (if any) and end-of-commentary references only. Do not include any information that needs to be assessed on the cover page.
Criteria:

This critical commentary is assessed based on the following criteria:

Focus, Analysis, Research, Referencing, Structure and Expression. 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 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.

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 (2019), Urban Economics 9th Edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin. Chicago.

References

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