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.
