Sustainable Cities

This reading and writing-intensive discussion seminar reviews and debates what it means to develop sustainably, primarily focusing on cities in the United States. We examine the theory behind the sustainable cities movement from healthy cities, to green cities, to smart growth, to just cities, low-carbon cities, and resilient cities. We critically evaluate examples of sustainability planning. We discuss regulation, incentives, technological advances, and social norms. Finally, we evaluate contemporary urban sustainability plans. The class meetings leave room for students to raise and debate their own ideas of sustainability—in past semesters, students have driven conversation everywhere from cricket-based foods, to battery technology, to building community trust. By the end of the course, you will have a more nuanced and comprehensive view on how to create sustainable cities and you will be able to articulate those ideas clearly through writing.