Geography

The course reviews agglomeration and clustering of economic activities from both geographical and urban economics disciplinary perspectives, in relation to cluster and urban economic policy. The course explains the current innovative and knowledge economy of firms and policymaking in relation to urban competitiveness. The geographical discipline focuses on clusters, network formation and industry evolution using institutional theories in which the actor-approach of firms and governments is central. Urban economics traditionally focuses on the role of externalities and urban contexts as attractions for firm and population location decisions and the growth and innovation potentials of firms in a more quantitative sense. Both disciplines heavily lean on empirical research, using complementary research methods like case-study research, surveys, spatial econometrics and general equilibrium modelling. Those methods are explained in the course in relation to current issues and empirical research on urban development. Much attention is given to regional and urban economic policy issues. Participants apply the theoretical and empirical insights from the lectures in an actual case study of urban policy in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

This course offers a study of the physical and natural environment of Spain. It examines Spain's territory in relation to its social environment and economy, both nationally and regionally. This course also discusses Spain's diversity through examination of its natural regions and its autonomous communities. Finally, it focuses on the transition to democracy, the Spanish constitution and current institutions, and Spanish society today.

This course brings in instructors who are best in their fields of research, and includes topics related to atmospheric science, environment science, physical and social geography in Taiwan. It provides a background in this wide range of disciplines, instilling a greater understanding of Taiwan. Besides the lectures, students also participate in various filed trip to NTU Herbarium and Zoological Museums, Evergreen Maritime Museum, and Guandu Nature Park. 

This course offers an introduction to the various forms of territorial organization in contemporary societies. Topics include: the Industrial Revolution and the new European map; colonization of Africa and Asia; world conflicts and totalitarianism; the Cold War; de-colonization and the third world; political transformations in Latin America; the European Union; the current geopolitical framework.