The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of political, geographical and economic processes creating and influencing development of cities and regions. The course also includes practical training in quantitative methods and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide the student with skills to critically analyze political, geographical and economic processes in a European context.

Political, geographical and economic theories are used to form a basis of empirical applications applied on a European setting. During the course, several practical skills are taught to introduce students to computer-based analysis of spatial data. This is done by using vector data in geographic information systems (GIS). The course includes ongoing work in which the student learns the theoretical basics of GIS and learns to handle the practical functions of the GIS program. Emphasis is placed on empirical applications, analyzed using the theoretical framework of the course. GIS skills included are:

After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

1. Discuss and compare urbanization and regionalization in a selection of European countries

2. Understand basic knowledge of descriptive and comparative statistics.

3. Using GIS and simple statistical calculations, to interpret and analyze theories and concepts of urban and regional development.

4. Perform a qualified spatial analysis of a European region or city using the tools introduced in the course.

Teaching is given in the form of lectures, exercises and seminars. Exercises - both under the guidance of teachers and in the form of their own work - constitute an essential element of the course.

In the course, examination consists of project, a seminar and a written exam.

The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

If a course ceases to be available or has undergone any major changes, the students are to be offered two opportunities to retake the examination during the year following the change for re-examination, based on the syllabus which applied at registration.

The Language of Instruction is English