For more information regarding scheduling and enrolment information, please see the Arts and Science Summer 2021 Timetable here.

(last updated 13 May 2021)

INI337H1-S  Studies in Contemporary Urban Problems
Subtitle: Monuments Must Fall: Re-imagining Public Space through Art and Action)

Instructor: Alan Webb

Public space in North American cities is facing a reckoning brought about by the confluence of support for Black Lives Matter, Indigenous recognition, and related calls for wider representation, inclusivity and safety. Climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid densification and privatization bring additional pressures to bear on our conventional urban design models and understanding of urban public space, in both interior and exterior environments. In examining contested public space through the frame of monuments, public art and public actions, how may we begin to imagine new design models for flexible and resilient spaces? In facing an unknown future, how may public art inform design practices to support an open, social and welcoming urban environment?

INI338H1-S  Advanced Topics in Urban Studies I
Subtitle: Conflict in Cities: Urban Conflicts in Divided Cities

Instructor: Anwar Jaber

This course investigates the urban fabric of contested cities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It focuses on the everyday dynamics of the urban communities in these cities and their response to extreme levels of conflict that may destroy, divide or reformulate their cities and urban lives. Although such ‘divided cities’ have their own unique characteristics, histories and urban contexts, they could nevertheless offer a lens through which we can understand the wider socio-political dynamics as well as the role of the urban environment in conflict. The course introduces spatial research approaches to cities facing extreme levels of ethno-national, political and religious conflicts. It raises the question of mapping as a political tool that can be abused, as well as the question of urban forms and architectural interventions in such highly-charged cities like Jerusalem, Belfast, Berlin, Beirut, Nicosia and others.

INI432H1-F  Urban Studio: Public Participation in Policy Making

Instructor: Daniel Fusca

This course will provide a broad overview of the roles of both the citizen and the professional practitioner in advancing effective and meaningful public participation in the policy-making process, particularly as it relates to city planning. Through an examination of a mix of theoretical frameworks and case studies from Toronto and elsewhere, you will gain an understanding of the ways in which effective public participation can contribute to the maintenance of a healthy democratic society while also exploring some of the key challenges and opportunities faced by public participation practitioners today. The course has two key objectives: to give you a practical understanding of all of the elements of an effective public participation process, and to explore how public participation processes can be designed to be more inclusive and effective. In addition, students will be able to apply this knowledge towards the development of a project or report for a client. You can read more about the course and examples of previous community engagement projects on the U of T News article regarding Rail Deck Park. (Prerequisites will be waived for Summer 2021; students from associated disciplines are encouraged to enrol).

Below are Urban Studies courses offered in the 2020-2021 Fall/Winter Session.

For more details about current course offerings, please see the Faculty of Arts & Science Timetable (Urban Studies courses are listed under “Innis College”).

For a list of all Urban Studies course offerings (including courses that are not currently offered) please see the Faculty of Arts & Science Calendar.

INI234H1 – Cities in Popular Culture