Lindsay Blair Howe: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Name	Dr. Lindsay Blair Howe
E-mail	howe@arch.ethz.ch
Department	Architecture
Relationship	Lecturer

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
052-0723-20L	Sociology: Planetary Urbanization The number of participants is limited to 40.	2 credits	2S	C. Schmid, L. B. Howe
Abstract	In the last decades, urbanization has become a planetary phenomenon, leading to an intense debate about a new conceptionalization of urbanization. This theory seminar aims at giving an introduction into the actual debate on planetary urbanization, into urban theory, theoretical thinking and the work with scientific texts.
Learning objective	In this research seminar, we will present some of the most recent and cutting-edge research investigations into planetary urbanization and discuss some of the most exciting articles in this fascinating new field of urban research.
Content	Today, urban research is increasingly confronted with large-scale urbanization processes that unfold far beyond the realm of agglomerations, urban regions, and even mega city-regions. Urbanization has achieved a planetary reach; novel patterns of urbanization are crystallizing across diverse environments, in agricultural areas, in the space of what may appear to be wilderness, and even in the oceans. This challenges inherited conceptions of the urban as a bounded zone and a dense settlement type. The process of extended urbanization includes the formation of complex and multi-scalar relationships between centers and peripheries, the blurring and re-articulation of the urban fabric, the production of a functionalized logistical space, and the progressive operationalization of landscapes around the world. These observations suggest a radical rethinking of inherited concepts and cartographies of the urban, at all spatial scales, encompassing both built and unbuilt spaces.
Literature	The relevant texts will be distributed in the seminar. A very good overview is provided in the following edited volume: Brenner, Neil (ed.): Implosions / Explosions: Towards a Study of Planetary Urbanization. Jovis, Berlin, 2014.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course will be held in English. Participants must be able to speak and write in English. The course is restricted. Please send a motivation letter to Lindsay Howe (howe@arch.ethz.ch) until September 1st. This is a theory course; it includes the compulsory reading of about 12 scientific articles or book chapters during the semester. Part of the performance assessment is giving a presentation and a written summary or report. Details will be announced at the beginning of the course.
063-0701-00L	Methods of Urban Research	2 credits	2G	C. Schmid, I. Apostol, L. B. Howe, M. Streule Ulloa Nieto, C. Ting
Abstract	This course conveys an introduction into methods of urban research in social sciences through lectures and accompanying exercises. It treats the basic principles of scientific research, literature research, different forms of participant observation, qualitative interviews (expert interviews and ethnographic interviews), and the analysis of urban qualities.
Learning objective	This course aims at enabling students of architecture to use sociological analysis as basis for concrete projects in architecture and urban design. It is based on a specific set of methods that is applied in design studios (integrated disciplines) as well as in the master thesis (supplementary discipline sociology).
063-0813-20L	Sociology (Thesis Elective)	6 credits	13A	C. Schmid, L. B. Howe, C. Ting
Abstract	Individual thesis with connection to a Master course in sociology III
Learning objective	Thesis Electives are reports oriented on the standards of social sciences. Students learn to wirte a scientific report which follows the state of the art in respect of content, methods, format, internal coherence and scientific validity.
Content	The contents of these elective studies are expected to link to the subject matter of the attended course.