Geography of Transport Systems - 1st semester
Code
711041072
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Geografia e Planeamento Regional
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
João Figueira de Sousa
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
a) Recognize the importance of transport for modern society;
b) Understand historical, spacial, technical, political, economic and social contexts that determine transport network development and evolution;
c) Understand the complexity of relations existing between transport systems, levels of economic and social development and spatial organization;
d) Develop critical reasoning about major challenges faced by transport sector in developed societies;
e) Analyse the consequences of transport development for human activities, territory and environment;
f) Develop methodology and analysis techniques for transport networks and systems;
g) Apply achieved knowledge and skills to practical situations, especially to studies of transport demand and offer of a particular terrirory;
h) Develop technical reports about transport systems´ evolution and organization from geographic perspective.
Prerequisites
None.
Subject matter
1) Historical context and physical constraints for the development of transport systems
2) Political, economic, social and spatial factors
3) Transport modes
4) Technical performance of different transport modes
5) Transport offer and demand
6) Accessibility and competitiveness of a territory
7) Mobility growth and problems of circulation
8) Urban mobility challenges
9) Innovation in transport sector: alternative transport modes and new energy resources;
10) The role of a state and other actors in organization and functioning of transport systems;
11) Social function of transport: public transport vs private vehicle
12) Transport as economic activity
13) Impacts of transport sector
14) Competitiveness and complementarity of different transport modes
15) Reconciliation of transport policy and environmental policy.
Bibliography
Bavoux, J.-J., Beaucire, F., Cahpelon, L., Zembri, P. (2005). Géographie des Transports. Paris: Armand Colin.
Hanson, S., Giuliano, G. (2004). The Geography of Urban Transportation. New York: The Guilford Press.
Hoyle, B., Knowles, R. (ed) (1998). Modern Transport Geography. London: John Wiley & Sons.
IDAE, PMUS (2006). Guía práctica para la elaboración e implantación de planes de movilidad urbana sostenible. Madrid: Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio.
Mérenne, É. (1995). Géographie des Transports. Paris: Éditions Nathan.
Vuchic, V. R. (2005). Urban Transit: Operations, Planning and Economics. New Jersey: Wiley.
Teaching method
Teaching methods
- Theory classes (50%): expository and involving participation (debates);
- Practical classes (50%): presentation and discussion of case studies, debates, application of specific methodology and techniques
Evaluation method
Avaliation methods
Each student is required to:
- Complete an individual written test;
- Develop a group report related to the themes of the curricular unit. This task suggests pratical application of knowledge achieved during classes and through reading of recommended bibliography (max. 15 pages).
(According to the FCSH Assessment Standards, the proposed evaluation elements to introduce students in the first class may suffer readjustments, particularly in the percentage of each element).