Cities: a course in urban sociology, with Dr Paul Jones
Lectures are every Tuesday, 10 – 11am
Led by Dr Paul Jones, Bluecoat’s Sociologist-in-Residence for 2017, this introduction to theories and themes of urban social life looks at how cities develop and shape the lives of their inhabitants. The most acute challenges of our age centre on cities, which have always been sites where power is concentrated, and starkly unequal access to resources are manifest.  It was against this backdrop that early sociologists were fascinated by the intensified and immersive social life of major nineteenth and early-twentieth century cities such as Berlin, Chicago, London, and Paris. This course traces into the contemporary context the intellectual influence of a group of early thinkers who between them laid important foundations for what has come to be known as urban sociology.
The course addresses three key themes: theories of the urban, which seek to understand the distinctive social life of cities; social divisions and how they play out in particular cities globally; political interventions that have sought to redress social problems in cities.
In general terms, the lecture course will respond to key questions such as:
- How do cities develop?
- How does the city shape the realities of people who use its spaces?
- What are the implications of approaching the city from a sociological perspective?
No prior learning is required to attend the course, which will include a reading list supported by a discussion group.
Unfortunately, Bluecoat are having issues with out online booking so please call 0151 702 5324 to reserve a ticket.