City Lights: Cities, Culture and History (ABPL90280)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject explores the histories not only of particular cities but also more broadly the historical development of spatial and social features of cities. Elements developed over time in both Australian and international urban areas are countenanced with a view to understanding how these have worked and might continue to work – through adaptation, reinvigoration, or refinement – in the urban context. The central question of the appeal and value of the city in the past and present is at the forefront. Understanding of city culture and the quality of the urban fabric over time is emphasised.
50% of the assessment of this course comes from a creative work produced individually by students which reflects on, and engages with, themes explored in the course: cities, creativity, society, history, urbanity, and culture.
Please note that this subject is only available to students admitted into a course at the Melbourne School of Design.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Discuss, compare and outline the evolution of cities over time and in different places;
- Research and analyse specific city elements;
- Engage in discourse on city development, plans and urban change;
- Evaluate specific places on historic, heritage and civic criteria
- Convey knowledge of urban environments and culture in a visual and/or experiential format.
Generic skills
- Ability to critically analyse ideas about planning in the light of current practice.
- Ability to discuss, present and write coherently about the debates and themes of planning.
- Development of logical arguments.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into or selection of one of the following:
- MC-URPL Master of Urban Planning
- MC-URBDES Master of Urban Design
- MC-ARCH Master of Architecture
- MC-LARCH Master of Landscape Architecture
- MC-ARCHUP Master of Architecture/Master of Urban Planning
- MC-ARCHUD Master of Architecture/Master of Urban Design
- MC-UPUD Master of Urban Planning/Master of Urban Design
- MC-LARCHUP Master of Landscape Architecture/Master of Urban Planning
- MC-UCH Master of Urban and Cultural Heritage
- MC-ARCHCM Master of Architecture/Master of Construction Management
- MC-PROPUP Master of Property/Master of Urban Planning
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Class paper
| Week 7 | 10% |
Essay
| Week 12 | 30% |
Creative work, may take the form of a short film, an 2D artwork, a sculpture or any other creative work that invites the student to reflect on and interpret the themes of the course
| Week 12 | 50% |
Class participation (participation in weekly tutorial and lecture class discussions) | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator David Nichols Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hours per week including lecture and tutorial class Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Urban Planning Course Master of Urban and Cultural Heritage - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025