230032 VO+SE Urban Sociology (2012S)

The course develops central perspectives on urban structuration, formation and transformation processes, based on a critical lecture of classical and current literature and research in urban sociology. After a general presentation of possible definitions and approaches of the urban phenomenon, different figures of the city will be discussed: interactions and identities; juxtapositions and neighbourhoods, circulations, mobility and temporality. The link between social and spatial and their different possible expressions will be studied. There will be also a focus on the way current "urban problems" are defined by media and politics. Each of these topics will be discussed in reference to one or several key articles which have to be read and discussed by all participants.