SDGAcademyX: Shaping Urban Futures

Drawing on rich research experiences of over 100 researchers working on urban questions in more than 8 cities in 5 countries from across the world, this course will enable learners to imagine how they can make a difference to the future cities that will shape tomorrow’s planet. It is designed for all urban scholars who are keen to build upon the experiences of a global network to develop their own methods and frames to view, interpret and define urban changes in their local geographies and contexts.

Shaping Urban Futures

Course Description

"Shaping Urban Futures" is an innovative and comprehensive course that delves into the critical aspects of 21st-century global urbanism. This intermediate-level course, offered by SDGAcademyX, explores the future of cities, particularly in the global South, where most urban growth is expected to occur. Drawing on the expertise of researchers from the PEAK Urban programme, a collaboration between five renowned academic institutions worldwide, this course provides a unique perspective on urban complexity, challenges, and opportunities.

What You Will Learn

Understand new urban sciences driving our comprehension of global urbanization
Examine and explore emerging social, economic, and environmental changes reshaping cities
Visualize the adoption and adaptation of technological changes in various urban contexts
Develop skills to intervene in urban futures through knowledge sharing and co-production
Gain insights into urban research methodologies and knowledge generation techniques

Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required for this course. However, a general interest in urban studies, sustainable development, or social sciences would be beneficial.

Course Content

Introduction to 21st-century global urbanism and the PEAK Urban framework
New urban sciences and data-driven approaches to understanding cities
Emerging urban formations and challenges in the global South
Urban disruptions and socio-technical systems in cities
Knowledge co-production and practical interventions in urban development
Future city reflections and sustainable urban development strategies

Who Should Take This Course

Urban professionals working to make a difference in cities
Early career researchers and veteran urbanists
Local government officials and policymakers
Community organization members
Private sector professionals interested in urban development
Students of urban studies, social sciences, and related fields

Real-World Applications

Developing evidence-based urban policies and strategies
Implementing sustainable urban development projects
Addressing complex urban challenges such as climate change, migration, and informality
Improving urban health and well-being through data-driven approaches
Fostering collaboration between academia, government, and communities for urban problem-solving
Enhancing decision-making processes in urban planning and management

Syllabus

Course Modules:

Module 1: Shaping Urban Futures: An Introduction
Module 2: How to Know a City: New Urban Sciences
Module 3: What to Know in a City: New Urban Formations
Module 4: How Cities are Changing: Urban Disruptions
Module 5: Transforming the City: Making a Difference on the Ground
Module 6: Reflections on the Future City: Conclusion

Each module involves approximately 5-6 hours of learning, including video lectures, discussions, and assignments. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding urban complexity, predicting future trends, and adopting innovative approaches to address the greatest urban challenges of the 21st century.

Course Impact

By engaging with this course, learners will be at the forefront of shaping urban futures, contributing to the development of sustainable cities, and addressing critical global urbanism issues. The knowledge and skills acquired will be invaluable for those seeking to make a meaningful impact on the future of humanity through urban research, planning, and development.