History of World Urbanism

PLSD 2000 | 201130 | Faculty: Aseem Inam

The course is an introduction to urbanism by focusing on two key aspects of the form of cities in history. First, the subject will challenge the singular narrative, usually Eurocentric and often colonial in attitude, regarding the material city in the world by exposing learners to multiple points of view, especially the relationship between urban form and cultural meaning. Second, the subject will emphasize dynamic change over time in addition to the static materiality of urban space and form. Historical themes and case studies will include urban divisions, public places, the street, the grid, the city as diagram, the skyline, and the urban process. The goal is to develop amongst students a critical, vibrant, and relevant view of the global history of urbanism. Pathway: Spatial Design Studies