02935 - Laboratory (Lab23)

Learning outcomes

Through a laboratory activity selected from those offered each year, the student develops cross-disciplinary skills in the practical application of the knowledge acquired in the degree program courses. The student is able to collect, organize, and analyze complex information, as well as present the results of the analysis in both written and oral form.

Course contents

The laboratory aims to develop cross-disciplinary social, civic, and political skills on the themes of “urban governance” and “participatory citizenship,” interpreted at the metropolitan scale. The analysis will focus on “Metropolitan Cities” established in Italy ten years ago, considered in their four most significant dimensions: institutional, political, participatory, and digital (smart city). The key analytical questions guiding the laboratory activities include: How are Metropolitan Cities structured, and how do they operate in Italy? What urban and territorial policies are they responsible for? In what ways do citizens participate in metropolitan policies?
These questions will allow students to apply and deepen the knowledge already acquired in other courses. In addition, the presentation and discussion of case studies, along with interactive teaching methods, will enable experiential learning and foster the development of empirical knowledge and transversal skills.
Students will engage in formative experiences such as: working in groups, presenting data and thematic content (PowerPoint presentations), discussing real-world cases, and interpreting analytical reports and government documents.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Brunetta Baldi, Giulio Citroni, and Martino Mazzoleni (2023), PNRR e Città Metropolitane. La sfida dei Piani Urbani Integrati, Milan, EDUCatt, pp. 21–40.
2. Giuliano Dall’O’ (2014), Smart City, Bologna, Il Mulino (Ch. 2, pp. 30–65)
3. Giorgia Pavani, Stefania Profeti, and Claudia Tubertini (2023), Le città collaborative ed eco-sostenibili. Strumenti per un percorso multidisciplinare, Bologna, Il Mulino (Ch. 3, pp. 113–150)
4. Additional empirical materials (articles, reports, metropolitan plans) related to the case studies will be made available by the instructor on the Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

The teaching method focuses on the active involvement of students, organized into working groups, through the presentation of readings and discussion of case studies. Brief lectures will be included to introduce the themes for analysis and reflection. Attendance is mandatory, with a maximum of 24 students admitted. Participation by non-attending students is not permitted.

Assessment methods

 Each student will participate in two group assignments: 1) presentation of scientific articles and data; 2) reconstruction and discussion of empirical case studies.
The group work involves activities to be completed at home (reading texts, analyzing data, preparing PowerPoint slides), followed by in-class presentations and discussions based on the instructor’s guidelines.
Participation in these activities, along with regular attendance, will enable the student to achieve final eligibility. Attendance is recognized if at least 70% of the total scheduled hours are completed. There is no final exam; if eligibility is achieved, it will be recorded remotely.

Teaching tools

Multimedia materials, data reports, documentation related to case studies, PowerPoint slides.

Office hours

See the website of Brunetta Baldi