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Sociology II
Soziologie II
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:13:58
Abstract
Sociology II presents current perspectives and methods in urban studies. Part I introduces historical and ongoing processes in Zurich (Christian Schmid), examines the topics of public space and housing (Hannah Widmer); 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 the 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 analyses in urban studies, presenting theoretical frames of reference at the example of concrete case studies. First, the historical transformations of the Zurich Region will be presented, followed by a presentation on the question of urban qualities in contemporary urban design (Christian Schmid). This will be followed by inputs on public space as social infrastructure, housing in transformation, and housing inequalities amidst climate change (Hannah Widmer). 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
21.02 Zürich: Von der Industriestadt zur Global City (CS)28.02 Zürich II (CS)07.03 Urbane Qualitäten (CS)14.03 Öffentlicher Raum: Eine soziale Infrastruktur? (HW)21.03 seminar week28.03 Wohnen im Wandel (HW)04.04 Wohnungleichheiten und Klimawandel-Massnahmen (HW)11.04 Survey of postcolonial theory (NB)18.04 easter break25.04 easter break02.05 Postcolonial Switzerland? (NB)09.05 Research Methods in Urban Sociology and Ethnography (NB)16.05 Prüfungskolloquium*CS - Christian Schmid, HW - Hannah Widmer, NB - Nitin Bathla
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 | No time listed | 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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