Emerging Modes of Urban Governance - The Urban Global South in Perspective

As a result of rapid urbanisation, in 2008 - for the first time in history - more than half of the world's population became urban. Urban explosion - the expansion of cities - is expected to largely materialise in so-called developing countries, otherwise referred to as the urban global south. Poverty, informality and exclusion will consequently acquire an inevitably urban face. In this course we will study, amongst other things, the twin forces of globalisation and urbanisation. In an effort to make sense of this confusing concept of governance, we will examine the socio-economic and technological dynamism that has come to characterise the 21st century and that is expected to diffuse decision-making prerogatives and duties. The course introduces students to both the potentials and the shadow sides of cities in the developing world as well as instil in students a wise appreciation of the complexity of the global urban future. It does so by engaging with both academic literature in disciplines ranging from critical geography to urban anthropology and non-academic literature including fiction and journalistic writing; films depicting the living conditions, inequalities and realities of the urban global south; and plenty of anecdotes by the course coordinator.

expectations

Students are expected to engage with assigned readings and viewings. (Uninformed participation in post-discussions is not allowed). Students are expected summarise three assigned readings or viewings (paper or film). Students are expected to give one presentation in on the 'transformation' of a city in the global south over the past decade in groups of three. Students are expected to visually document in form of a photo essay a walk through their neighbourhood.

objectives

Become acquainted with the concepts of the spatial turn and socio-spatial justice. Learn about the production of space, the right to the city and arrival cities. Understand how the twin forces of globalisation and urbanisation correlate. Critically assess the term urban global south. Analyse how poverty, exclusion and violence in the urban are intertwined. Discuss the analytical and practical meaning of conventional distinctions between formal/informal, legal/illegal, ordered/disordered. Develop an understanding of the socio-economic and technological dynamism of the 21st century. Gain insight into the decision-making process at the urban level and recognise the diffusion of decision-making power. Be introduced to the notions of 'insurgent citizenship' and 'rebel cities'. Identify and mobilise city-specific resources.