Urban (Re)Development in Berlin & Amsterdam

The urban experience is an ever-changing environment, always responding to transitions in society; whether through demographic shifts, changes in economic conditions, or conflicts and crises. This course will focus on the urban (re)development that has been taking place in the European context, and the impact that this has had on neighborhoods, the economy, the people, the environment, and the many forms of resistance in response. The history and modern redevelopment of our host cities of Berlin and Amsterdam are individually unique, and serve as fascinating case studies that allow students to examine urban redevelopment through the lens of a foreign context but also expand our imagination about what is possible as we interact with the dynamics of our own cities. Students will ponder issues like the effect of globalization, gentrification and displacement, policy innovations to protect affordability, public transportation, social movements, and the extensive use of the arts as public expression. The required study abroad component includes a 12-day journey together, to marry an intellectual exploration of Berlin and Amsterdam with a deep and intense experience, first-hand. This experiential component will teach us practical and applicable tools to navigate “foreign” space, communicate with locals as a confident and humble global citizen, and significantly enhance our leadership and team-building skills. Our exploration will take us down both traditional tourist paths, and many off-the-beaten-track experiences hearing from locals about their cities. SU Course(s): PUBA 3910 or UCOR 3600