AGOG/AGLO/AUSP 225: WORLD CITIES

Fall 2015
(Class #6909, #6693, #10221)
T/Th 11:45am 1:05pm
Location: Learning Center 21 (LC21)
Instructor: Tom Narins: 219 Arts and Sciences, 442-3249, tnarins@albany.edu
Office Hours: T 2 4 pm
Teaching Assistant:: Devin Mason, 228 Arts and Sciences, dbmason@albany.edu
Office Hours: TBA
NOTE: This course will be using clickers this semester for a range of in-class learning and performance activities.
If you do not already have your own clicker (remote control) device for this semester, please purchase one from the
B&N Bookstore on campus and then register it, see: http://www.iclicker.com/support/registeryourclicker/.
Your own clicker device will be used for in class activities starting from Class #3 (September 3rd) onwards.
Course Description
The Content: World Cities is designed to be an orientation to how to think about cities within the framework of
Globalization. Globalization involves an array of forces that are effectively shrinking the world. This course takes a
critical look at globalization and its impacts on cities and countries (also known as states) around the world. The course
begins a discussion of the origins of cities, then examines cities in the global North, focusing on the way transnational
flows of trade, finance, technology, people and culture operate in and through a network of inter-connected global cities.
In the very top tier of this network a select few global North cities function as the command and control centers at the
core of the global economy. The majority of cities used as case studies in the course, however, are located in the global
South, and the course materials focus on some of the lower tier cities of the worlds urban hierarchy in Latin America,
Africa, and Asia.
The Approach: I believe (and research shows) that people learn best from concrete experience, interacting with texts and
with other learners/readers, engaging in challenging reading and writing tasks, being held accountable for their work, and
receiving frequent feedback on their progress. As a result, I have designed this course to provide all of those dimensions.
Course Objectives
You will develop the ability to identify some of the general principles and geographical patterns of urbanization in
different parts of the world;
You will be able to define the term globalization and identify the key and unique components of a geographical
approach to globalization;
You will be able to identify and classify some of the generic influences of globalization processes that are occurring
around the world (the global effects), while at the same time keeping in focus some of the geographical exceptions
and uniqueness of specific locations (the local effects);
You will be able to explain what is meant by the term world cities as it is used in this class, and provide a critique
of the world cities discourse centered in the global North;
You will be able to identify and locate on a map which cities are the command and control centers of the global
economy (sometimes referred to as global cities), and which are the worlds megacities (those with the most
people);
You will be able to identify the importance -- through time and across space -- of the historical process of
colonization in different parts of the world, focusing on some of the benefits as well and the negative outcomes
among local populations;
You will be able to assess and offer a critical analysis of the role of transnational neoliberalism in shaping the
contemporary global economy, focusing on its impacts on geographical patterns of poverty and inequality around
the world.
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How grades will be earned (A=93-100%; A-= 90-92.9%; B+= 87-89.9%; B= 83-86.9%; B-= 80-82.9%;
C+= 77-79.9%; C=73-77%; C- 70-72.9%; D=60-69.9%; F=<60%)
A.
B.
C.
D.

Writing in your World Cities Journal (after each class meeting) worth 10%
A mid-term exam (in-class) worth 15%
Four homework film description and analysis papers, each worth 5%, total = 20%
In-class questions (using clickers) used to measure your comprehension of assigned homework readings and
films, total = 30%
E. In-class discussion questions and exercises conducted throughout the semester, based on issues raised in lectures,
readings and films, total = 10%
F. A final exam (in finals week), worth 15%
Details of Required Work and Grading System
A. Writing for at least 15 minutes in your World Cities Journal (a tab on the left-side of the course Blackboard page)
after each lecture (entries should be submitted between 2:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.) each time class meets.
B. Two in-class exams (the midterm and final) worth 15% each; total = 30%. Both exams will consist of noncumulative multiple-choice questions based on lecture materials, assigned homework readings, all in-class
exercises and assignments, and all films (including film clips shown and discussed in class, as well as films
assigned as homework for the film description and analysis papers).
C. Four film description and analysis papers, each worth 5%, total = 20%: on six occasions throughout the term
(highlighted in green on the Syllabus) films will be assigned as homework. The content of each film is related to
material covered in forthcoming lectures. Questions on all six films will be asked in class, using clickers, and will
also appear on the two exams (see above). For four of the six homework films students are required to complete
and submit a short paper (maximum of 1200 words) that: a) describes the plot of the film in your own words; b)
interprets the specific contribution the film makes to the course content for GOG/GLO 225; and c) suggests two
alternative feature films, with two sentence descriptions, that could have been useful as supplements to the course
content on the city/country in question. The first two papers must be from homework films #1, #2 or #3; the last
two must be from films #4, #5 or #6.
Notes:
the first of these film homework requirements is assigned in Class #10 and is due in Class #12;
all the films assigned for the description and analysis papers are available electronically on the University
at Albany server, and a link is provided on the document providing specific details for writing the papers;
if you have difficulty locating or watching any of the films contact the Instructor by Email (in advance of
the due date for the paper) to discuss possible solutions, including locating the film(s) in different formats.
D. In-class questions (using clickers) testing for comprehension of assigned homework readings and films, total =
20%: in most of the lectures, beginning at the start and continuing at intervals throughout, clickers questions will
be asked on the content of the assigned homework readings and films. Points received for correct answers (5
points per class) will be calculated electronically. To allow for various contingencies (such as forgetting your
clicker or dead batteries) students are allowed to miss a maximum of two clickers sessions.
Notes:
from Class #3 onwards students without clickers will receive zero points for that and all subsequent
lecture days;
it is highly recommended that you keep detailed notes of all in-class clicker question sessions, recording
the questions asked and your original responses. Your notes can serve as evidence in the event of any
discrepancies between the electronic points assigned and your own assessment of your performance.
E. In-class discussion questions and exercises conducted throughout the semester, total = 20%. The questions and
exercises will focus on topics covered in the lectures, readings, homework films and film clips shown in class.
They will sometimes require students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss and debate issues raised in class.
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Each individual or group should submit his/her/their worksheet at the end of each class, and it will be graded,
partly for effort exerted and partly for appropriateness of responses. In some cases individuals or groups will be
required to complete the in-class exercises at home, requiring further research, and submission at the next class
meeting.
Managing your life and this course. Since there will be occasions in your life when missing a class meeting or missing a
deadline for an assignment is simply unavoidable (illness; personal crisis), this course has a few built-in safety valves.
These are your tools to use in managing your life. Please manage these carefully.
Safety Valve One: You can miss up to five (15 minute) Journal entries and still receive full credit for this assignment
Safety Valve Two: You are only required to submit papers on 4 of the 6 films assigned this semester
Safety Valve Three: The average of the best 90% of your in-class work will count toward your grade
Cell Phone Policy. Please show respect for your fellow students by making sure your cell phone is turned off before
entering the classroom.
Academic Integrity
During tests/quizzes please keep your eyes on your own work. When completing homework assignments and writing
papers make sure that you do your own work. In research, make sure you properly cite and document any sources from
which you have borrowed ideas or language.
Students with Disabilities
Please be aware that the Disability Resource Center at UAlbany provides a program of support and advocacy services to
students with disabilities. Please talk with the instructor early in the semester if you need additional support because of a
disability.

WORLD CITIES
PART A: GEOGRAPHICAL AND CONCEPTUAL TERRITORY
Date

Class # and Topic

Reading/Viewing

8/27

1. INTRODUCTION TO WORLD CITIES

Homework Reading for Class #2: What is the territory to be covered?
Course Syllabus
Also read: The North/South Divide
Wikipedia 2014
_________________________________________________________________________________________
9/1

2. THREE KEY (AND OTHER) THEMES FOR GLO/GOG 225

Homework Reading for Class #3: The process of urbanization?
Homework Film for Class #3: Urbanization and its impacts

Boundless.com (nd)
World Bank 2009

9/3

3. THE GLOBAL GEOGRAPHY OF URBANIZATION

Homework Reading for Class #4: How to eliminate global poverty?
Florida 2014
Note: Clickers use begins on this date
__________________________________________________________________________________________
9/8
4. GLOBAL POVERTY I: URBANIZATION AS A SOLUTION?
Homework Reading for Class #5: Is there a global remedy for all evils?
Steger & Roy 2009

9/10

5. GLOBAL POVERTY II: THE PAST AND THE PRESENT:

COLONIALISM AND TRANSNATIONAL NEOLIBERALISM
Homework Exercise for Class #6: Inequality in the USA?
Pew Res Cntr 2013
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9/15 NO CLASS: ROSH HASHANAH
9/17

6. INEQUALITY I: THE GREAT DIVIDE IN THE USA

Homework Reading for Class #7: How much depends on where you live?
Dorling et al. 2007
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9/22 7. INEQUALITY II: THE GREAT DIVIDE IN EUROPE
Homework Reading for Class #8: The human costs of inequality?
Economist 2012
9/24 NO CLASS: YOM KIPPUR
__________________________________________________________________________________________
9/29 8. INEQUALITY III: THE GREAT DIVIDE GLOBALLY
Homework Reading for Class #9: Is Brazil (finally) a serious country?
Rohter 2010

PART B: WORLD CITIES IN LATIN AMERICA

Date
10/1

Class # and Topic

9. BRAZIL I: DEVELOPMENT, POVERTY AND INEQUALITY
Reading/Viewing
Homework Reading for Class #10: Deforestation/development in Amazonia
Fearnside

2007
__________________________________________________________________________________________
10/6 10. BRAZIL II: URBANIZATION & AGRIBUSINESS IN AMAZONIA
Homework Reading for Class #11: Waste Land opens at MoMA
Laster 2010
Homework Film #1 for Class #11: Waste Land (2010, Lucy Walker)
Waste Land 2010
See: http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/waste_land
10/8

11. BRAZIL III: RIOCIDADE MARAVILHOSA

Homework Reading for Class #12: Hip-hop music and the urban periphery
Caldeira 1994
_________________________________________________________________________________________
10/13 12. BRAZIL IV: SO PAULOTERRA DA GAROA
Homework Project for Class #13: Student Project on Sub-Saharan Africa
Details TBA in class

PART C: WORLD CITIES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Date Class # and Topic
Reading/Viewing
10/15 13. OIL FUTURES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: NIGERIA & GHANA
Homework reading for Class # 14: The sounds of resistance in South Africa Vershbow, 2010
Homework Film #2 for Class #14: Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part
Amandla! 2002
Harmony (2002, Lee Hirsch)
See: http://media.albany.edu:8080/ramgen/cellar/geography_and_planning/smith/amandla.rm
_________________________________________________________________________________________
10/20 14. SOUTH AFRICA I: SINGING TOWARDS GLOBALIZATION
Homework Reading for Class #15: Chinas soft power in Africa?
Wagner 2012
10/22 MIDTERM EXAM (in class)
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10/27 15. SOUTH AFRICA II: CAPE TOWNTHE MOTHER CITY
Homework Reading for Class #16: South Africas bloody freedom?
Shonteich & Louw 2001
10/29 16. SOUTH AFRICA III: JOHANNESBURGCITY OF GOLD
Homework Reading for Class #17: From third world to third in the world?

Das 2007

PART D: WORLD CITIES IN SOUTH ASIA

Date
11/3

Class # and Topic

Reading/Viewing
17. INDIA I: FLYING TOWARDS GLOBALIZATION
Homework Reading for Class #18: Biotech and suicide in India?
Sinha 2014; Abid 2013
Homework Film #3 for Class # 18: Peepli Live (2010, Anusha Rizvi)
Peepli Live 2010
See: http://media.albany.edu:8080/ramgen/cellar/geography_and_planning/smith/peepli_live.rm

11/5

18. INDIA II: GLOBALIZATION AND GEOGRAPHIC INEQUALITY

Homework Reading for Class #19: Violence against women in India?
Ranjan 2013
_________________________________________________________________________________________
11/10 19. INDIA III: GLOBALIZATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC INEQUALITY
Homework Reading for Class #20: Challenges for Indias global future?
Kattamuri 2013
11/12 20. INDIA IV: URBANIZATIONTHE FUTURE AND THE PAST?
Homework Reading for Class #21: Inequalityeven in Singapore?
Thehearttruths 2013
Homework Film #4 for Class # 21: Ilo Ilo (2013, Anthony Chen)
Ilo Ilo 2013
See: Link TBA
_________________________________________________________________________________________

PART E: WORLD CITIES IN EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIA

Date Class # and Topic
11/17 21. SINGAPORE: DEVELOPMENTALIST GLOBALIZATION
Homework Reading for Class # 22: Inequality even in the richest places?

Reading/Viewing
Mong 2013

11/19 22. CHINA I: HONG KONG AS A WORLD CITY, 1997 AND AFTER
Homework Reading for Class #23: Chinese counternarratives?
Pei 2013; 2014
_________________________________________________________________________________________
11/24 23. CHINA II: THE TRANSITION OUT OF SOCIALISM
Homework Reading for Class #24: Chinas urban and ecological future?

Lee 2010

11/26 NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING

_________________________________________________________________________________________
12/1 24. CHINA III: GHOST TOWNS AND CANCER VILLAGES

Homework Film #5 for Class #25: A Touch of Sin (2013, Jia Zhang Ke)

A Touch of Sin 2013

See: Link TBA

Homework Reading for Class #25 Heard through the grapevine (on Weibo)? Rayns 2014

12/3

25. CHINA IV: URBANIZATION AS THE SOULUTION TO POVERTY?

Homework Reading for Class #26: The myth of Japans failure?
Singleton 2012

_________________________________________________________________________________________
12/8

26. JAPAN I: ICON OF GLOBALIZATION OR MYSTERIOUS OUTLIER?

Homework Film #6 for Class #26: Tokyo Sonata (2008, Kiyoshi Kurosawa) Tokyo Sonata 2008
See: http://media.albany.edu:8080/ramgen/cellar/geography_and_planning/smith/tokyo_sonata.rm

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FINAL EXAM: Friday, December 18, 1-3 p.m., in LC21