After successful completion of the course, students are able to explain one current strategic approach related to sustainable urban development in detail, discuss core concepts regarding sustainable urban development and engage in contemporary debates around the urban sustainability transformation process.

Cities and urban regions are increasingly confronted with challenges relating to sustainable development. How can this concept be understood and implemented? The aim of this seminar is to investigate the topics of sustainability and urban planning. It provides students with theoretical, conceptual and analytical tools to investigate and understand current challenges in sustainable urban transformation processes. This course is designed as an empirical course, which blends a discussion of theoretical literature with an investigation of practical examples. 

In more detail, students will:

• Get an insight into a variety of strategic approaches that address urban sustainability challenges
• Develop ideas about how to deal with the topic of sustainable development from different perspectives and on different (spatial) levels
• Learn to approach urban phenomena from an inter-disciplinary and multi-dimensional perspective
• Learn to process and critically investigate scientific literature in English
• Design class sections themselves (peer teaching)
• Practice their scientific writing skills in English

Contents

• 16.03.2021 - Session 1: Introduction to the topics, theories, and strategies, course structure, assignments, group work topics (Tuesday 16:00-18:00)
• 20.04.2021 - Session 2: Lecturers give presentations
• 04.05.2021 - Session 3: Content will be announced later
• 18.05.2021 - Session 4: Groups present theoretical concepts 1 /3 – peer teaching (Tuesday 16:00-18:00)
• 01.06.2021 - Session 5: Groups present theoretical concepts 2 /3 – peer teaching (Tuesday 16:00-18:00)
• 08.06.2021 - Session 6: Groups present theoretical concepts 3 /3 – peer teaching (Tuesday 16:00-18:00)
• 22.06.2021 - Session 7: Final presentations and discussions of group project results (Tuesday 16:00-18:30)

This VU consists of 7 sessions. Session 1 is about the introduction and organization of the events and sessions. Session 2 and Session 3 will be announced at the session 1. Sessions 4, 5, and 6 include peer teaching sessions on theoretical concepts. In session 7, groups present their final results. The group project is carried out in small groups (3 persons) and combines the analysis of contemporary concepts that address urban sustainable development challenges (such as 2000-watt society, resilient cities, and smart cities) with practical examples. Additionally, students visit thematically relevant events and reflect on them in relation to the course.

Zoom Room link: https://tuwien.zoom.us/j/96008456447?pwd=TjFvSjZDMTduVGFQQUF2cTV0OWZQUT09

Group work, peer teaching, disscussion of concepts and practical examples

• Individual work (30%)
  • Being prepared, participation in class
  • 1 event/documentary report (1.000-1.500 words)
• Group work (70%)
  • Peer teaching (sessions 4, 5, & 6): own session and preparation for colleagues’ sessions
  • Group work progress meeting with supervisor (preparation)
  • Final presentation of group work (session 7)
  • Group seminar paper (5.000-6.000 words) consisting of a theoretical (concept) and empirical (practical examples) part

• Participation in SE 280.593 recommended (same semester)