Note: Readings should be completed by the date indicated. Specific text selections will be announced and distributed separately. Come to each class prepared to discuss the assigned readings.
Week 1 – Introduction
- A comprehensive introduction to Sustainable Smart Cities
- Review of syllabus and course overview
- Discussion: Expectations and objectives for the course
Week 2-3 – Foundations of Sustainable Smart Cities
- Conceptual foundations and main approaches
- Recent theoretical debates in smart urbanism
- Case Studies: Examining leading smart cities and key projects
- Group activity: Analyzing smart city initiatives
Week 4-5 – Data and Politics in Smart Cities
- Theoretical understanding of big data applications in urban contexts
- Political implications and governance of smart cities
- Data-driven applications: Advantages and disadvantages
- Workshop: Ethical considerations in smart city data use
Week 6-7 – Smart Infrastructure and Mobility
- Smart infrastructure in contemporary urban contexts
- Innovative mobility systems and their impact
- Case study discussions: Successes and challenges in implementation
- Group presentation: Proposing smart mobility solutions for a specific urban challenge
Week 8 – Midterm Exam and Reading Week
- Midterm examination (format to be announced)
- Independent study and research time
Week 9-10 – Security and Privacy in Smart Cities
- Surveillance and monitoring technologies in urban spaces
- Privacy concerns and data protection in smart cities
- Potential threats and abuse of smart security applications
- Debate: Balancing security and privacy in smart city design
Week 11-12 – Smart Governance and Citizen Participation
- Principles of smart sustainable governance
- Mechanisms for citizen participation in smart cities
- Review of notable projects on governance and participation
- Interactive session: Designing a citizen engagement platform for a smart city
Week 13-14 – Socially Inclusive Smart Cities
- Addressing discrimination and exclusion in smart city concepts
- Developing and implementing inclusionary policies
- Smart city platforms for promoting social inclusion
- In-class discussions and semester review
- Final project presentations
- Course wrap-up: Synthesis of key themes and reflection on learning outcomes
Note: This schedule is subject to change based on class progress and emerging topics of interest. Any modifications will be communicated to students in advance.