From slums, bustling cultural scenes and cityscapes, to diaspora lanes, African cities show diverse trajectories, inequalities and uneven pace of urbanization. Challenging clichés of African cities as ‘dystopian’ and ‘off the map’, this course critically examines the processes and dynamics of urban transformation and rapid urbanization of African cities and their socio-cultural, ecological, political and economic implications. It interrogates key drivers of urbanization, sustainable urban development, livelihoods, inclusive and just urbanism challenges, urban policies and governance, and the reimagining of African urban futures. Students will learn from cutting edge scholarship and engage with speakers and Africa-based city-builders, policy makers, artists, activists, and social entrepreneurs.
From slums, bustling cultural scenes and cityscapes, to diaspora lanes, African cities show diverse trajectories, inequalities and uneven pace of urbanization. Challenging clichés of African cities as ‘dystopian’ and ‘off the map’, this course critically examines the processes and dynamics of urban transformation and rapid urbanization of African cities and their socio-cultural, ecological, political and economic implications. It interrogates key drivers of urbanization, sustainable urban development, livelihoods, inclusive and just urbanism challenges, urban policies and governance, and the reimagining of African urban futures. Students will learn from cutting edge scholarship and engage with speakers and Africa-based city-builders, policy makers, artists, activists, and social entrepreneurs.
