MA Cities

Liverpool John Moores University

This module develops your knowledge of theoretical approaches to understanding cities. It focuses on interrelationships between cities, culture, and urban change. It provides:

• an understanding of cities, culture and creativity in a different range of contexts
• the necessary knowledge to understand the social and cultural importance of cities
• an understanding of contemporary debates and their historical context
• an awareness of key urban theories, economic changes, cultural policy, trends and underlying dynamics

This module discusses how urban images and identities are constructed/reconstructed, by whom and for what purpose. You will explore in-depth concepts such as city marketing, place identity, place brand and branding. You will also investigate city service systems and the increasing importance of digital place to cities. Case studies from a wide range of cities are used to identify the multiple expressions of urban imagining and imaging globally.

This module explores a series of case studies using differing scales of creative practice and interventions led by or instigated at individual or community level. The case studies will bring you an understanding of complex issues arising from creative communities as a focus of research or study. It aims to:

• provide an appropriate range and depth of theoretical and professional knowledge to enable you to understand the key issues and challenges for creativity and /or culture-led community interventions
• critically evaluate the impact of arts and culture on community building, civic participation and enhancing personal wellbeing, through a series of case studies and opportunities for critical inquiry
• develop your ability to evaluate critically established practices, paradigms and/or methodologies and foster the formulation of new critical insights into creative practices

This module is shared by all students studying on taught Art and Design, MA Cities and Immersive Media postgraduate programmes.

The Research Inquiry module aims to develop and improve your research and analytical skills. Analysis and problem-solving skills are critical to student employability and subsequent success in most types of careers post MA.

Students are immersed in a range of methodological approaches across the arts and social sciences, and will develop an in-depth understanding and knowledge of contemporary approaches to research in their field of study. This will be crucial in laying the foundation for developing their own subsequent projects.

This module aims to support you in applying critical skills in advanced research methods and methodologies. It helps you to identify appropriate methodologies, theoretical frameworks and resources to complete your dissertation successfully. It also supports you in developing and modifying your dissertation through discussion, reflection and feedback.