Vorlesung

Urban Sociology (Introduction)

Life in German cities has undergone substantial changes in the last decade. Not only the East German cities had to address new challenges after the reunification of the German nation in 1990, but also the West German cities had to reformulate their place in the complex urban networks. Cities are mirroring wider changes in German society where new social and political developments can be observed. Economic and cultural globalization has had a major impact on many aspects of urban life. This lecture will give an overview about major developments in German cities since the German reunification in 1990. It will provide both a sound source of information on the most important issues of German society and reflect important discussion of the international debate on urban studies. After delivering a historical overview of German cities, basic concepts of urban sociology will developed by discussing subjects like gentrification, segregation, migration, life style diversity and others. The lecture provides an insight view into classical theories of urban sociology as deriving from Max Weber, Georg Simmel and the Chicago School.

Richtet sich an: Advanced Urbanism, Europäische Urbanistik, IPP/Urban  Heritage
                       MediaArchitecture, Master Urbanistik
Termine:          montags, 13:30 bis 15:00 Uhr, 1. Termin 10.10.2016
Ort:                 Marienstraße 13, Hörsaal D
Dozent:            Prof. Frank Eckardt

Postwar cities

The subject of reconstructing cities after war damage has become an international research topic in the last years for two reasons. Firstly, in many countries around the world violent conflicts have destroyed large parts of cities and in some countries the process of reconstruction like in the Balkan countries is ongoing. Many of these conflicts also seemed to be endless like it appears to be now in the case of Syria and Jemen. However, if one leaves beside the extraordinary hundred year war in the European Middle Age, most wars have ended in the life time of one generation. The historical lessons also shows that after the end of a war like in Europe after the Second World War, little knowledge have been available how to reconstruct the cities. Looking back on the lessons of this and similar experiences is the second reason why the general subject of „post war cities“ have become an important subject. The main goal of this seminar is to discuss both questions: 1. How can we prepare the reconstruction of cities after war and conflict in the Middle East? 2. What can be learned from historical experiences in Germany and elsewhere?

Richtet sich an: IPP, Urban Heritage, MA Urbanistik, MA European Urban Studies,
                       MA Advanced Urbanism, MA Architektur, MA NHRE (Fak. B)
Termin:            montags 11:00 bis 12:30 Uhr, 1. Termin 10.10.2016
Ort:                 Marienstraße 13, Hörsaal C
Dozent:            Prof. Frank Eckardt