- Semesters: III/IV
- Number of Credits: 4
Preamble
This course is designed as a preliminary level course. The learning objective here is to acquaint the underlying theories, propositions and issues that usually arise in studying an urban situation. The course will equip the student with the basic theoretical premises and analytical tools (borrowed from the standard micro and macro economics) that are used by an urban economist. The course therefore is not necessarily grounded in any particular reality (except where explicitly mentioned), however for pedagogical purposes, explanation and illustrations will naturally come from the Indian situation. It is recommended (although not strictly mandatory) that this course be taken as a pre-requisite for any of the other electives being offered in the area of Urban Economics.
Module I: Urban Forms (12 lectures)
Historical evolution of urban forms – definition, rationale and modern related types (UA). Agglomeration – productivity increases, models of optimal city size and regional dispersal. City functions and size class
Module II: Within the City (12 lectures)
Location of Economic Activities. Land use patterns – classical models and modern reality, regulation land ceiling and rent control. Labor Markets – nature, informalization. Migration, Urban poverty, Environment.
Module III: Local Public Goods and Infrastructure (12 lectures)
Nature of Local Public Goods and Utility Pricing – water / sanitation, health and education. Power, Housing and Transportation infrastructure. Slums and rehabilitation – Urban infrastructure needs and
finance.
Module IV: Governance (12 lectures)
Municipal governments – sources of revenues (local taxes) and expenditure. Functions and budgets in a decentralized set up. Governance Issues – capacity building and the role of civil society.
References
1. |
O’Sullivan, A. (2002) Urban Economics, McGraw-Hill Irwin. (BASIC TEXT All Modules) |
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2. |
Shukla, V. (1996) Urbanization and Economic Growth, Himalaya Publishers Pvt. Ltd. (Modules 1,2) |
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3. |
Bahl, R and J. Linn (1992) Urban Public Finance in Developing Countries, OUP (WB) (Modules 3,4) |
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4. |
Ramachandran, R. (1989) Urban Economics and Urban Systems in India, OUP (Module 1) |
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