DSPO 25A55 - Public Space in the Social Sciences: Theories, Practices, and Debates

This course is intended to introduce students to public space not only from a theoretical point of view, but also through uses and behaviors taking place in urban public spaces, including gender inequalities. Methods of urban ethnography will be considered for this purpose. All along the course, specific attention will be paid to questioning links between theories and practices. Public space is a topical issue which plays a major role in our society and in our everyday lives. The course focuses on different disciplinary approaches (such as political philosophy, sociology, and urban studies) in order to identify the many meanings the concept can carry. It will give students arguments to engage in the current debate around the supposed end of public space.

Helin KARAMAN

Séminaire

English

No previous knowledge is necessary to attend this course, but an interest in debates around public space and urban commons is welcome.

Spring 2023-2024

• 10% of the final grade: Students are expected to attend class and to actively participate in the discussion. Late arrivals in class will be penalized. • A paper based on an ethnography of an urban public space (collective project – 40% of the final grade) • An oral presentation synthesizing this urban ethnography project (collective project – 20%) • Previously designated students present and discuss the readings of the week (individual grading – 30%)