Contents and structure of the course

The course in made of two modules. The first module will be on the foundamentals of economics.

The second module deals with the different economic tools that exist for the interpretation of the city, defined as an efficient form of labour and social organization. The course tries to reply to questions like: why does a city exist? How do economic and residential activities are organized in an urban space? Which are the rules of development and evolution of the city? Which relationalities exist behind the organization of a general urban system?

The aim of the second module is to introduce students to the major principles governing and interpreting the structure and the dynamics of cities. The issue of urban rent – from its nature to its formation – is explained and analysed in details.

Issues treated regard:

The principle of agglomeration;

The principle of accessibility;

The principle of spatial interaction;

The principle of urban hierarchy and city networks;

The principle of competitiveness;

Urban rent theory.

Lectures are based on a textbook (Regional Economcs) and on some papers distributed on line by the teacher. The chapters to study will be indiceted during the course.

Practical lectures on the way urban specialization and urban dynamics can be measured throgh simple economic indicators will be held in parallel to theoretical lectures.

A group work on the empirical part will be required.

Exam is composed of two parts:

a written or oral part (depending on the number of students that want to participate to the exam) on the theoretical part, which will weight 2/3 on the final vote.

a group work on the empirical part, which will weight 1/3 on the final vote.