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74786-01 - Seminar: Public Participation in Urban Development (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Katrin Hofer (katrin.hofer@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course explores the theory and practice of public participation in urban development. Students will gain an understanding of the evolution of the concept, frameworks, and challenges of public participation, linking democratic theory with urban planning and development approaches. They will critically examine the dynamics of power, the roles of key actors—such as planners and the public—and various forms of participatory processes, spanning institutionalised processes in planning and policymaking, as well as community-driven initiatives. The course adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from sociology, political science, and urban studies. It combines theoretical lectures, case studies from Switzerland and cities of the Global South, and practical exercises in participatory research methods such as participatory mapping and photovoice. In preparation for the lectures, students will engage with selected readings and case studies and write an essay. During the block course, they will have the opportunity to test participatory methods in groups and will present their findings, experiences, and critical reflections. |
| Learning objectives | 1. Develop an understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to public participation in urban development 2. Strengthen the ability to critically assess frameworks, challenges, and power dynamics in public participation. 3. Acquire skills to design, implement, and evaluate participatory research methods. |
| Comments | Open to MA students from other programs with the priority for CU and CS MA students on timely registration. |
| Admission requirements | registration / de-registration |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block | See individual dates | ||
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 16.06.2025 | 10.15-17.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 17.06.2025 | 10.15-17.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Wednesday 18.06.2025 | 10.15-17.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Thursday 19.06.2025 | 10.15-17.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Friday 20.06.2025 | 10.15-17.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Modules |
Module: The Urban across Disciplines (Master's degree program: Critical Urbanisms) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | pass / fail |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Urban Studies |