Course syllabus

ACE 390, 5.0 ects, Spring term 2024

Elective theory cours
URBAN INEQUALITIES

Course responsible: Kristina Grange
E-mail: kristina.grange@chalmers.se   

Program: MPDSD

Course is offered by the department of Architecture and Civil Engineering

 

The aim of this course is to further the students’ knowledge about power perspectives shaping the city, and ultimately the society we live in. We will look at how economic, social, political and ecological preconditions shape how we currently think about, plan and reproduce the city; what the consequences of these preconditions are for individuals as well as the society; but also how one could think differently about these processes. We will specifically ask questions concerning how architects and planners can relate to these societal issues, in order to contribute to a better world for more people.

 

The course Urban Inequalities will explore specific theoretical trajectories dealing with issues such as Equality, Segregation and Urban Uprisings; Gentrification, Renovictions and Housing Politics; Just transitions and ecology, Gender and Democracy in the City; and The Right to the City. For each seminar there will be a specific theme we deal with and texts we read and discuss jointly and in smaller groups. There will also be suggestions for other readings, in order to enhance each student’s choice of a theme for individual work.

 

The course will further train the student’s ability to use source texts as a basis for formulating a research question, an individual position, and a line of argument. It will also train the student in analysing arguments laid out in other texts, and appropriately use citation, references and bibliography. Each student will hand in a final academic text of between 2000-2200 words, complete with references and a bibliography.

 

  

General course plan

ACE 390

Elective course 5 hp

Grades: Five, Four, Thee, Failed

 

Aim:

The aim of the course is to further the students’ knowledge about power perspectives shaping the city, and ultimately the society we live in. The course provides the student with knowledge of how economic, social, ecological, and political preconditions shape how we currently think about, plan and reproduce the city; what the consequences of these preconditions are for individuals as well as the society; but also, how one could think differently about these processes as an architect and planner. The course trains students in asking critical questions concerning how architects and planners can relate to urban inequalities in order to contribute to a more just world. The course trains the student’s ability to use source texts as a basis for formulating a research question, an individual position, and a line of argument. It also trains the student in analysing arguments laid out in other texts, and appropriately use citation, references, and bibliography.

 

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding

1. The student can describe, refer to and analyse theoretical texts on urban inequalities, reflect over how they relate to a sustainable development, and demonstrate an understanding of their usefulness for urban planning and design.

 

Skills and abilities

1. The student can formulate an independent standpoint based on arguments laid out in the course literature and other texts, develop this standpoint in an academic text, and appropriately use citation, references, and a bibliography.

 

Formulation of judgements and attitudes

1. The student can demonstrate an ability to critically relate to a scientific field identified by conflicting scientific, societal, political, and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an ability to take into account the needs of society and all people.
2. The student can demonstrate an ability to relate knowledge concerning urban inequalities to the development of a future professional role.