Urban Studies

This course explores theories and practices pertaining to urban sustainability, focusing on the fundamental issue that gives rise to the notion of sustainability—the integrity of the Earth's life-supporting system. It examines global and local environmental issues, as well as consequential socioeconomic problems, arising from urban development and continuous urban growth. It also explores existing and emerging approaches to urban sustainability. Throughout the course, students are challenged to contemplate on the core of the quest of urban sustainability—the relationship between humans and nature. Assessment: six in-class assignments (25%), two homework assignments (30%), one paper (25%), preparation and participation (20%).

This course explores social and political issues concerning the city of Rome. It provides background on the role of the city in the unification of Italy, and then focuses chiefly on the period following the Second World War. Topics include the image of Rome in popular culture, the modern evolution of the city as a physical entity, the migration of southerners to the city, the dynamics of family, and the role of gender. Soccer is examined with particular reference to citizen participation. Local criminality is put in a national context. Other topics include the church, the education system, and government. Final consideration is given to Rome as a European capital city. Throughout the course, attention is paid to relevant administrative issues and social contexts in an attempt to gain a vision of Rome as seen in Italian and European perspectives.

This course considers the concept of hypermodernism and its more recent iterations with respect to new and planned buildings in Berlin (by international firms such as OMA and Herzog de Meuron), to places of infrastructure (train stations, airports), shopping centers, so-called POPS (privately owned public spaces), and urban wilderness areas. Students are encouraged to explore the city on their own and respond to particular sites through visuals, audio recordings, (creative) texts, and other forms of artistic expression.