module specification

London is a city of arts and entertainment, of culture and heritage, and of business and innovation – it is without doubt one of the most eventful cities in the world. One might even argue that London is an event in itself. This module, therefore, seeks to explore London as a city of and for events, and it will take advantage of our ideal location in the midst of this metropolis. Students will get the chance to explore a range of London events, as well as how and why events are an integral part of the wider culture and economy of London.

There are two individual assignments to be completed as part of the assessment programme for this module: the first is a combined 5 minute oral presentation and 750 word essay proposal; and the second is an essay of 3000 words.

1. To provide a solid historical and contemporary account of events as an integral part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of London.
2. To comprehend the significance of London as a diverse and multi-faceted city, and to encourage students to actively explore various aspects of London as an events city.
3. To explore how events have contributed to shaping London’s identity from an international and tourism point of view.
4. To appreciate a range of epistemologies and methodologies for researching various aspects of London events in the context of a wide range of event types.
5. To prepare students for the completion of an individual essay based on the evidence gathered through independent research.
6. To emphasise London as a place of opportunities for any type of event manager, and to encourage students to be curious and actively seek out new London experiences.

1. An historical background to London as an events city
2. Key London events and their importance for the identity of the city
3. A critical review of how events are used as part of political and economic agendas
4. London events and stakeholders
5. Audiences of London events
6. London as a diverse events city
7. London as a global events city
8. The importance of events for London’s local communities
9. Approaches to researching London as an events city
10. Being an events manager in London

The module will combine 1.5 hour lectures and 1.5 hour seminars with study visits and field work. The formal teaching will provide students with the theoretical and methodological tools needed to investigate various events and aspects of events management specific to London. The directed learning will be used primarily to prepare for seminar sessions, field work and the formal assessments. Guest lecturers will be invited as and when appropriate.

This module will take full advantage of the location of London Metropolitan University, which means that students are required to actively explore London as an events city.

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Critically discuss the role events play in the cultural and economic development of London.
2. Identify different types of events and their importance for London.
3. Critically review the relationship between London and the events industry.
4. Appreciate the opportunities a city such as London offer events managers.
5. Better understand what it takes to write an academic essay.

There are two individual assignments to be completed as part of the assessment programme for this module: the first is a combined 5 minute oral presentation and 750 word essay proposal; and the second is an essay of 3000 words.

Assignment 1: The oral presentation and written essay proposal test students’ ability to define a topic and give a rationale for why that topic is relevant and important. The oral presentation will also test students’ ability to orally explain a complex topic to their colleagues. (30%)

Assignment 2: The essay will test students’ ability to critically analyse, through the use of specific examples, the importance of events for London and how and why the London location is important for these events. Students are expected to use a wide range of academic sources as well as contemporary sources (such as newspaper articles, websites and reports) and material collated during field work to support their analysis. Detailed guidelines and assessment criteria will be provided in lectures and via WebLearn. (70%)

• Buck, N. (et al) (2002) Working capital : life and labour in contemporary London, London: Routledge
• Gold, J.R & Gold, M.M. (2005) Cities of Culture, staging international festivals and the urban agenda 1851-2000, Aldershot: Ashgate.
• Gold, J.R & Gold, M.M. (eds.) (2011) Olympic cities: city agendas, planning and the world’s games 1896-2016, London: Routledge
• Imrie, I,  Lees, L. and  Raco M., (eds.) (2009) Regenerating London: Governance, Sustainability and Community in a Global City, London and New York: Routledge
• Kerr, J., and Gibson, A. (2003) London from punk to Blair, London: Reaktion
• Richards, G., and Palmer, (2010) Eventful cities : cultural management and urban revitalisation, London: B-H
• Smith, A. (2012) Events and urban regeneration : the strategic use of events to revitalise cities, London: Routledge
• Temple, J. (2012) London: The Modern Babylon [DVD]
• White, J. (2008) London in the twentieth century : a city and its people, London: Vintage

Journals:

• City Marketing and Branding
• Cultural Planning and Management
• Event Management
• Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing
• Journal of Town and City Management
• The London Journal: A Review of Metropolitan Society Past and Present
• Place Branding
• Urban Design
• Urban Studies
• Urban Tourism