02.501 Theory and Dynamics of Urban Social Processes

This course exposes students to foundational theories and key socio-economic processes and trends that have given shape and meaning to urban development across a number of time periods and cultural contexts. Through an emphasis on the historical and future drivers of change in cities, students will relate theories of the social and physical evolution of cities to structural change, social and political movements, technological advancements, and public policy that impacts urban systems more generally.

Instructor: Dr Jeffrey Chan
Time: Thursday (3-6PM)
Venue: Think Tank 4-5 (1.312)

Week 1: Introduction: What is urban theory?
Week 2: (Groundings) Capital and the City
Week 3: (Groundings) The Neoliberal City
Week 4: (Groundings) The Informal City
Week 5: (Perspective) The City of Strangers
Week 6: (Perspective) The City of Conflict
Week 7: Recess Week
Week 8: (Perspective) The City of AI
Week 9: (Vision) The Serendipitous City
Week 10:(Vision) The Sharing City
Week 11: (Vision) The Ethical City
Week 12: Workshop session—Writing Research Papers on the Built Environment
Week 13: Conclusion and Review of Group Presentations
Week 14: Conclusion and Review of Group Presentations (if required)