Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

In this course, we begin to answer the question: what does the idea of sustainable development mean for cities? Using case studies from Vancouver and around the world, we will seek to understand how urban sustainable development innovations are developed, designed, and implemented. Special attention will be paid to the importance of sustainable development linkages between urban issues related to economic development, social justice, and environmental conservation and protection.

COURSE DETAILS:

Going forward, cities present both opportunities and risks for the health of the Earth's biosphere and humankind. Urban centres are now home to more than half of the world's population, and as a result, cities are rapidly becoming economic, cultural and political powerhouses. While it is true that economic and cultural activities cities put immense pressure on resource levels and waste assimilation capacity, many believe that urban centres have a vital role to play in mitigating existing environmental pressures. The idea of urban sustainable development to address environmental challenges is inspirational, yet a consensus about what it actually means remains elusive. This course uses theory and practice to explore the constantly evolving question of what sustainable development means for cities of today and tomorrow.

In the face of increased consumption of natural resources by humans and a corresponding decline in human health and well being, sustainable urban development offers hope for our common future. However, the meaning of each of the words in this phrase can be debated, even before it hooks up with the other two. In this course, students will critically examine local and international urban case studies to identify (mis)alignments between social, economic and ecological imperatives, and answer the questions: What does sustainable urban development mean for cities of the present, and what can it mean for cities of tomorrow?

Students will be introduced to key theory and practice underpinning urban planning, policy and research in a sustainability context. Through an examination of case studies from cities in Canada and abroad, innovations in urban infrastructures, planning and policies, governance, and social justice will highlight tensions within the urban sustainability space, and help students distinguish between incremental, transitional and transformative sustainability actions.

Social science theory will guide learning, while field trips and the lived experiences of guest speakers are expected to foster deeper understanding. Emphasis will be placed on exposing students to the theoretical and practical tools being deployed by civil, private and public sector actors to develop sustainable urban areas in a socially just, economically viable and ecologically friendly manner. The course will be delivered via a mix of teaching and learning techniques, including seminars, field trips, guest speakers, films, in-class exercises, written submissions, seminar facilitation, oral presentations, and peer-to-peer feedback. Regular engagement with course readings and active participation in class discussions, exercises and debate are expected to enhance individual and group learning.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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