The course comprehends two parts: introductive and in-depth study. In the introductive part, students learn analysis tools concerning urban theories and their development. In the in-depth part, students will focus on a specific topic variable year by year.
Text book:
Fainstein S., Campbell, S., Readings in Planning Theory, Wiley-Blackwell, 2016.
Additional readings (See the Library catalogue):
- Le Corbusier, The Athens Charter. New York: Grossman Publishers, 1973.
- Jacobs J., The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Vintage, 1961, pp. 3-25; 143-151.
- Jencks C., The Language of Postmodern Architecture. New York: Rizzoli International, 1972, pp. 7-37.
- Augoyard J.F., Step by Step: Everyday Walks in a French Urban Housing Project, University of Minnesota Press, 2007.
- Dagen Bloom N., Umbach F., Vale L.J., Public Housing Myths. Perception, reality, and Social Policy. Ithaca (NY): Cornell UP, 2015, pp. 1-118.
Further readings will be suggested during the course.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge: the course provides an orientation about urban theories in the last two centuries.
Skills: the course teach students critical comprehension of the relationship between urban theories and urban planning.
Goals: the course makes students critically evaluate urban planning.
Prerequisites
Knowledge in humanities according to principles of western thought is required. It is also required basic knowledge of geography theoretical approaches and methods.
Teaching Methods
The first part of the course includes lectures and class discussion according to the topics included in the text book and listed during class time. Specifically students learn reasons and developments of the modern and contemporary city. In the second part each student will pursue a research on an assigned topic. Detailed information will be provided.
Attendance is strongly encouraged. Absences should be motivated in writing.
Type of Assessment
Student learning will be appraised according to the following:
- class discussion: 20%
- mid-term assignment: 20%
- final assignment: 20%
- research essay: 40%
Course program
The first part of the course focuses on the in-depth analysis of the most important urban theories of the post-industrial city: the second part insists on a topic of the contemporary city.
Per la preparazione all’esame e’ necessaria la lettura dei capitoli assegnati dal libro di testo:
Exames questions refer to chapters of the text book as assigned in class:
Fainstein S., Campbell, S., Readings in Urban Theory, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
Further readings:
- Le Corbusier, The Athens Charter. New York: Grossman Publishers, 1973.
- Jacobs J., The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Vintage, 1961, pp. 3-25; 143-151.
- Jencks C., The Language of Postmodern Architecture. New York: Rizzoli International, 1972, pp. 7-37.
- Augoyard J.F., Step by Step: Everyday Walks in a French Urban Housing Project, University of Minnesota Press, 2007.
- Dagen Bloom N., Umbach F., Vale L.J., Public Housing Myths. Perception, reality, and Social Policy. Ithaca (NY): Cornell UP, 2015, pp. 1-118.