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Sociology II
Soziologie II
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:39:02
Abstract
Sociology II presents current perspectives and methods in urban studies. Part I introduces historical and ongoing processes in Zurich and across the planet (Christian Schmid), the right to the city, with a focus on neighbourhood life (Ileana Apostol); part II presents postcolonial perspectives in urban studies (Nitin Bathla).
Objective
This lecture series seeks to enable students to better understand architecture and the production of built environment in its social context. It provides an introduction into the great variety of contemporary urbanization processes across the world.
Content
Sociology II focuses on current perspectives of analysis in urban studies, presenting theoretical frames of reference with the help of concrete case studies. First, recent historical transformations of Zurich will be presented through a sociological perspective followed by a presentation on the vocabularies of planetary urbanization processes (Christian Schmid). This will be followed by inputs on the right to the city with particular focus on urbanity and the quality of life in the neighborhood (lecturer: Ileana Apostol). The second part of the course will explore postcolonial perspectives in urban studies. This part will present a survey of postcolonial urban theory and discuss spatial polarisation and everyday life under extended urbanisation in the so-called Global South and ways to relook at Zurich through a postcolonial lense (Nitin Bathla). The course will conclude with a need to move beyond theoretical and geographical binaries.
Resources
Lecture Notes
23.02 Zurich I: From the Industrial City to the Global City - CS01.03 Zurich II: Urban Qualities in the Metropolitan Region - CS08.03 A Vocabulary for Planetary Urbanization Processes - CS15.03 Housing Cooperatives - IA12.04 Right to the City - IA19.04 Survey of Postcolonial Theory - NB26.04 Looking through Elsewhere: Delhi - NB03.05 Postcolonial Switzerland? - NB10.05 Südliche und postkoloniale Urbanismen jenseits geografischer Binärstrukturen - NB17.05 Examination colloquium - CS & IA
Literature
Various texts, in addition to the lecture will be provided.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Dictionnaire für Fremdsprachige; elektronische Wörterbücher sind nicht zugelassen.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Soziologie II
Keine Lehrveranstaltungen am 22.3.2024 (Seminarwoche) und in den letzten beiden Semesterwochen (s. Raumbelegungen!).
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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