The specialization explains why fundamental changes in urban areas and regions will be necessary in response to the socio-ecological crisis. In particular in the context of climate-resilient development, urban and regional transformation is increasingly moving center stage in public debates. Possible transformation pathways are discussed and developed for key sectors such as housing, mobility, and the foundational (every-day) economy. Recognizing that challenges differ by location—varying, among others, in land use, infrastructure, and access to resources—and that institutions are embedded in multi-scalar governance structures, solutions need to be tailored to particular spatial contexts (urban/rural, local/global). Hence, the course adopts an explicit spatial perspective on the transformation problem, emphasizing the key role that cities, municipalities, and regions will play in realizing sustainable futures.

• Students will be familiar with the main urban and regional challenges of the socio-ecological crises

• They will be able to engage critically with the transformation literature

• They will develop an appreciation of a spatial perspective for developing social-ecological transformation pathways 

• Students will develop an in-depth understanding how key sectors are affected by socio-ecological crises, start developing strategies and policies to foster sustainable development, but also identify challenges and possible conflicts that particular spatial (urban-rural, etc.) contexts generate

• They will be able to augment and apply their methodological skills learned in their methods courses

• They will be able to develop research questions from a critical analysis of the existing literature, design a research project, identify viable methodological approaches, apply methods to a particular research problem and write research reports

Sequencing

Please note that successfully completing Course I is a prerequisite for enrolling in Course III and IV (but not for Course II). Also, please be aware that Course I and II are typically offered only in the summer semester, while Course III and IV are typically offered only in the winter semester.

Course contents

• Course I: Foundations

This course lays the groundwork for understanding the imperative for transformation in cities and regions amidst the socio-ecological crisis. It offers an introduction and critical examination of key concepts such as political economy, (multi-scalar) governance structures, institutions, resilience, transformation, and transition. It emphasizes the role of historical, spatial, infrastructural, and political contexts that shape cities and regions, their particular challenges and possible transformation pathways in the face of the socio-ecological crisis.

• Course II: Selected Topics

Foundational Economy

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the diversity and varying importance of economic sectors in maintaining societal well-being and meeting basic needs. This course examines the foundational economy sectors, such as education, health, social care, housing, utilities, and food supply, and their criticality for ensuring a “good life for all”. This course aims at critically examining dominant conceptions of entrepreneurial governance (that consider cities primarily as engines of economic growth), current understandings of innovation (embedded in contemporary notions of “smart" development), predominant metrics for measuring “successful" urban/regional development, and related policies.

Housing

The resurgence of the "housing question" highlights global concerns over rising housing costs and the displacement of residents, prompting widespread public discourse. This course takes an analytical look at the long-term trends and present-day forces shaping housing provision. Adopting an interdisciplinary lens, the course integrates insights from political economy, urban studies, sociology, law, and geography to construct a multifaceted understanding of housing issues. The course also focuses on crafting equitable and sustainable urban futures, with careful consideration of the influences of ideologies, power dynamics, and social disparities.

• Course III: Selected Topics (International)

Mobility

Passenger transport is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as an important source of negative environmental effects in particular in urban areas. This course outlines how sustainable, equitable, yet efficient transport systems can be achieved, putting the "avoid-shift-improve" (ASI) framework central: reducing travel, transitioning from cars to alternative modes, and enhancing remaining car travel with decarbonized vehicles. The importance of enhanced public spaces, better air quality, and safer transportation will be discussed as influential in policy adoption. Emphasis is placed on tailoring solutions to the unique spatial, socioeconomic, and political landscapes of cities worldwide.Top of Form

• Course IV: Practical applications

This final course is centered around research projects in which students investigate relevant research questions related to the topics covered in the specialization, using empirical methods. Methodological inputs (qualitative as well as quantitative methods) will be provided. Students will develop a research proposal, after which they will be paired with a supervisor who aligns with their selected topic and methodological approach. The course requires students to carry out their own research, which involves compiling a brief report and delivering a final presentation to present their results.

Requirement for registration for specializations in Wirtschaft – Umwelt – Politik are at least 20 ECTS from the CBK including the courses „Jahresabschluss und Unternehmensberichte“, „Mathematik“ and „Statistik“

Specializations are chosen by registering via LPIS for the course "Access to Specializations: Transforming Cities and Regions". After you have been assessed with "successfully participated" during the introduction to the specialization, you can select the respective specialization in LPIS and register for the courses.

You can find more information at:

https://www.wu.ac.at/studierende/mein-studium/bachelorguide/sbwl-2-1-1/

Placement ("successfully participated") is done on a first-come-first-in basis and will be at the same time for all specializations. Registrations for more than one specialization are possible. Therefore, it is important to register first for your top choice. If you register for further specializations as second or third choices, it may happen that places in these specializations are first allocated to those who have chosen them as their first choice. You indicate your preferences through the order of registration.