What does it mean for a city to try to become more sustainable? One concept we will discuss is the resilient city. The concept of resilient cities refers to a wide range of ideas how cities are able to survive, adapt, or even grow as a reaction to chronic stresses or acute shocks. One definition highlights “city resilience is about making a city better, in both good times and bad, for the benefit of all its citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable” (100resilientcities.org). Others relate the concept to the idea of sustainability or urban transition towards climate change (e.g. iclei.org).
Urban sociology, sustainability, resilient cities and climate change are keywords for this class. On the one hand, we will try to better understand the initiatives and concepts and social movements gathering around this topic. On the other hand, we will read literature that helps us to develop a (mainly qualitative) sociological perspective on the phenomenon.
At the beginning of term, we will read and discuss academic papers. In the second part of the term, small groups of three to four students will work independently on an issue of the course. The student groups will receive time during class to work on their projects, but are also asked to meet outside class. Finally, the student groups will present their results in class.
We will meet on a weekly basis on Zoom.
Requirements:
To meet the requirements for earning a certificate of performance (Leistungsschein) participants are asked to prepare excerpts (1-2 pages per article), to participate actively in the group work and the workshop (output of the group work) and to take an oral examination (mündliche Prüfung) or to write a term paper (Hausarbeit).
To meet the requirements for earning a certificate of participation (Teilnahmeschein) participants are asked to prepare excerpts (1-2 pages per article), to participate actively in the group work and the workshop (output of the group work).
You need not to register for an exam in case you just need a certificate of participation (Teilnahmeschein).
Course language is English. |
