In this course, we will survey and compare some of the most populous and vibrant cities in English-speaking countries, with a general focus on American and British cities. We will look at New York, Chicago, London and other major cities as social, cultural and physical systems in an effort to tease apart their unique character from universal laws of city life. For instance, we’ll consider how cities fail and succeed, what’s so great about skyscrapers and whether hipsters are a force for urban good - among other questions.

This course forms one half of the compulsory module ang311: Integrated Language Skills. The module is assessed via a portfolio.

The assessment requirement for this Spoken English course is a 15-20 minute oral language test at the end of the semester, with the grade to be added to the result from Written English. In-class mini-presentations will count towards active participation.