LESSON 1
URBAN GEOGRAPHY
Overview:
This lesson on urban geography introduces students to ways in which urban geography
has played a role along with other disciplines that focus on the urban, and it also
discusses the advantages and disadvantages of urban living.
Desired Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students can:
1. discuss urban geography;
2. justify why studying geography is important;
3. draw an object that can represent the goodness of the urban places for the
people; and
4. make a chart showing the advantages and disadvantages of living in the urban
area.
Materials Needed
1. Computer/Android phone with internet connection ( Moodle, screen recorder,
Google meet and Google classroom)
2. Module
Duration: 3 hours
Learning Content:
What is urban geography?
Urban geography is the sub-discipline of geography that derives from a study
of cities and urban processes.
An urban geographer's main role is to emphasize location and space and study
the spatial processes that create patterns observed in urban areas. In order to fully
understand each of these aspects of a city, urban geography represents a combination
of many other fields within geography.
Why do we study geography?
The study of urban geography can help us have a better understanding of the
economics of what goes on within cities and recognize the small things that are involved
in local, national, and international scales. It helps us understand everything that is
occurring around us inside city limits and outside as well.
Why are urban cities good?
There are often roads of a better quality and well-built houses in urban areas.
Transport facilities are highly developed and often receive regular funding for updates. It
can be faster to get from place to place in a city or town. There are a greater number of
jobs available in urban areas.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Living
Advantages
1. There are often roads of a better quality and well-built houses in urban areas.
2. Transport facilities are highly developed and often receive regular funding for updates. It
can be faster to get from place to place in a city or town.
3. Due to better public transport, you can save money on a car
4. Most amenities and entertainments are easy to reach. Clubs, restaurants and cinemas
are more prolific in these busier areas and you often find new attractions will open in a
city before anywhere else.
5. Hospitals and clinics are close by for easy access to healthcare or aid in an emergency.
6. Cities and towns tend to have a greater mix of cultures and ethnicities which can help
when making new friends and meeting people.
7. There are a greater number of jobs available in urban areas. Starting a new career
could be far easier if you move to a town or city.
Disadvantages
1. Busy towns or cities can feel crowded and may mean you feel more stress or pressure.
You may also not be able to form such tight knit communities in urban areas.
2. Urban areas tend to be more expensive to live in. Property prices are higher and so are
goods and services.
3. Houses are more compact in urban areas. To maximize space, flats and smaller
apartments are built instead of houses with larger gardens.
4. There are often fewer green spaces in a town or city. You may not always be able to
enjoy natural spaces.
5. Public transport might not always be as reliable as you’d like, and many towns or cities
are restrictive with parking. If you prefer to drive, you may find it harder to keep a car
close to where you live unless it is at great expense.
6. Because of larger populations, cities can have higher levels of pollution, including noise
pollution. This could be damaging to your health in the long-term.
7. If you have pets you may find it harder to find a place to live that allows them. It may
also be harder to find a place to walk a dog or enjoy outdoor space with them.
Reference:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com-July 18, 2021
2. https://www.researchguides.dartmouth.edu-July 18, 2021
3. https://www.oxfordreference.com-July 18, 2021
