02.502 Imagining Resilient Cities

The term “resilience” has been applied in various fields, including ecology, biology, psychology, urban planning, and international politics. This course examines the theoretical framework and practical application of resilience building within the dimension of urban planning and policy.

The course can be divided into two main sections: introductions to climate change, disaster, and adaptation; and thematic topics of vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience. Topics include climate change, vulnerability, justice, governance, participatory planning, local knowledge, and community resilience. In addition to discussing concepts, techniques, and tools, case studies with a reflective focus will be used to describe a variety of opportunities and challenges facing precarity. As a research seminar, students will be active participants through photography presentations, oral discussions, fieldwork, and analytical essays to reflect and present the depth and breadth of knowledge and insights to the class on resilient cities.

Instructor: Dr Cai Yanjun
Time: Tuesday (10am-1pm)
Venue: Think Tank 11-12 (1.503)

Week 1: Course Outline and Introduction
Facing Climate Change and Disasters: Principles, Directions, & Impacts
Week 2: Vulnerability
Week 3: Adaptation
Week 4: What is Resilience
Week 5: Toward Community Resilience
Week 6: Planning Resilient Cities
Week 7: Recess Week
Week 8: Participatory Climate Resilience
Week 9: Social Capital and Resilience
Week 10: Disaster Social Media
Week 11: Resilience and Resistance
Week 12: Visioning Resilience
Week 13: Imagining Your Resilient City and Class Reflection
Week 14: Follow-up and Class Reflective Essay