Sociology of space 4208-M1SPc
The course will begin with introductory classes devoted to the fundamental concepts of the sociology of space, including the classical distinction between social, physical, and symbolic space. We will then examine the issue of the social production of space, a framework proposed by Henri Lefebvre that forms a key sociological foundation for contemporary urban studies. Its further development in the work of Bohdan Jałowiecki remains one of the most widely recognized contributions of Polish urban sociology.
The main part of the course will focus on sociological theories of processes that transform urban space: post-socialist urban change (the socialist and post-socialist city), mechanisms of gentrification and segregation, the dynamics of suburbanization, class conflicts within the city, and the relationships among architecture, the environment, and infrastructure. Whenever possible, these processes will be examined through the lens of transformations taking place in Warsaw. Another important theme will be the role of non-human actors in urban space, including concepts such as urban metabolism and posthumanist approaches.
In addition to introducing key theoretical and conceptual tools, the course places strong emphasis on developing critical thinking and encouraging active engagement with the issues discussed.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
Knowledge
1. Identify and describe key social and urban processes shaping contemporary cities.
2. Use fundamental concepts and terminology from the field of the sociology of space.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of current theories and approaches within social research on space.
Skills
4. Apply sociological theories to explain social processes taking place in the city.
5. Draw conclusions and critically analyze information obtained from scholarly literature.
6. Develop a written analysis of a selected issue based on literature and original observations.
Social competences
7. Develop a critical attitude through the selection and interpretation of an urban problem or process.
8. Understand the connections between sociological theories and contemporary urban transformations.
9. Independently expand their knowledge through the study of selected publications in sociology and urban studies.
Assessment criteria
Lecture: Mark based on essay (100%)
Bibliography
1. Bourdieu, P. (2018). Social Space and the Genesis of Appropriated Physical Space. „International Journal of Urban and Regional Research”, 42(1), 106–114.
2. Castells, M. (1982). Kwestia miejska. Przeł. B. Jałowiecki, J. Piątkowski. Warszawa: Państwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe.
3. Drozda, Ł. (2017). Uszlachetniając przestrzeń. Jak działa gentryfikacja i jak się ją mierzy.
Warszawa: Instytut Wydawniczy Książka i Prasa.
4. Gandy, M. (2013). O miejskim metabolizmie na nowo: woda, przestrzeń i nowoczesne miasto.
W: J. Kusiak, B. Świątkowska (red.), Miasto-zdrój. Architektura i programowanie zmysłów (s.
339–360). Warszawa: Fundacja Bęc Zmiana.
5. Jałowiecki, B. (2010). Społeczne wytwarzanie przestrzeni. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar.
6. Krajewski, M. (2011). Miasto. Na tropach tego, co niewidzialne. „Przegląd Socjologiczny”,
60(2–3), 111–134.
7. Kusiak, J. (2017). Chaos Warszawa. Porządki przestrzenne polskiego kapitalizmu. Warszawa:
Fundacja Bęc Zmiana.
8. Murawski, M. (2015). Kompleks Pałacu. Życie społeczne stalinowskiego wieżowca w kapitalistycznej Warszawie. Warszawa: Muzeum Warszawy.
9. Orchowska, J. (2022). Białe plamy. Mieszkańcy Warszawy o usługach publicznych. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar.
10. Smith, N. (1996). The New Urban Frontier: Gentrification and the Revanchist City. Londyn-Nowy Jork: Routledge.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: