Macquarie University

Urban Dynamics: Population, Housing and Economy - GEOP219

More than half of the world’s population now live in cities. This unit explores some of the key drivers of urbanisation across Australia and the globe. The focus here is threefold. First, population dynamics are examined. The unit explores the role of population change (fertility, mortality, migration and ageing) in influencing the growth and structure of our cities. Second, the role of housing as a central element of urban change and urban planning policy is explored. Students will examine issues of housing affordability, social and community housing options, and the role of home ownership and private rental in Australian cities. The unit analyses new forms of housing delivery, such as urban renewal and regeneration, which provide opportunities to address the housing crisis facing many of our cities. Finally, the unit investigates the economies of our largest cities. The unit examines the ways in which our cities are becoming “global cities”, the ways in which types of employment are spatially distributed across our cities, and how employment (along with other socioeconomic characteristics) is driving increasingly divided cities. Central to the unit is the exploration of possible policy responses (including urban planning and broader social and economic policy) for addressing many of the challenges facing our cities.