Event

CitiesX: The Past, Present and Future of Urban Life

 

Join this MOOC to explore what makes cities energizing, amazing, challenging, and perhaps humanity’s greatest invention.

For the first time in human history, more than fifty percent of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Cities allow for the exchange of ideas, and generate remarkable innovations in business, art, and ideas. Cities are also home to millions living in poverty. Urban living can provide a pathway to a better life, but that’s not always the case for many people around the world.

CitiesX will give you a far-ranging look at the past, present and future of cities, with the aim of teaching you how to better understand, appreciate and improve urban areas. The course will explore key concepts of urban development by examining cities around the world, including London, Rio de Janeiro, New York City, Shanghai, Mumbai, Kigali, and many more.

The course includes a historical exploration of cities: how urban centers like ancient Rome resulted from consolidation of imperial power, how cities like Sao Paulo grew as important hotbeds of industry, and how cities like Seattle became hubs of technology and human capital.

CitiesX also dives into pressing social and urban planning issues like public health, transportation, zoning, gentrification, cost of living, crime, and congestion. The course includes interviews and insights from academics, policy makers, urban leaders and city residents.

The analytical framework of the course comes from economics, but is enhanced by conversations with experts from other disciplines (including Sociology, Urban Planning, Journalism, Anthropology, History, Art & Music) to provide learners with a greater understanding of all aspects of urbanism.

What you'll learn

  • A deeper understanding of what urbanism looks like around the world

  • A historical perspective on the rise of cities throughout the world

  • The role local and national governments play in developing and distorting cities

  • The cultural contributions cities make to how we live, love, and learn

  • The role of transportation in creating a liveable city

  • Different approaches to analyzing public policy in cities

  • What the future might hold for urban life

 

This MOOC is presented by Edward L. Glaeser, the Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics at Harvard University

Learn more about the course here: https://youtu.be/XxOf5Bsfsxs

 

This course will take place over Zoom. Here is what you need to know:

  • Registration is required in order to receive an invitation to the session. Register online or call 604.929.3727 ext. 8166.
  • You will need a computer with a microphone or headset, and a webcam. You can also choose to use your smartphone/tablet.
  • If you need more information contact Vicki at leev@nvdpl.ca

Register online or call 604.929.3727 ext. 8154 or email leev@nvdpl.ca

Location: 

Zoom 2

Time: 

Repeats every week every Tuesday until Tue Aug 24 2021 except Tue May 04 2021, Tue Jun 01 2021, Tue Jul 06 2021, Tue Aug 03 2021.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 27, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, August 10, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Audience: 

  • Adults