D0192 - LABORATORIO: GOVERNO DELLA CITTÀ E CITTADINANZA PARTECIPATIVA

Learning outcomes

Through participation in this Social and Civic Competences Lab, students develop the knowledge and skills needed for constructive social engagement and responsible citizenship. They will be able to analyze socio-political, legal, historical, and intercultural phenomena, participate actively and critically in public life, and apply key concepts and tools to understand contemporary political issues at local and national levels.

Course contents

This laboratory aims to develop cross-disciplinary social, civic, and political skills through the study of metropolitan governance and participatory citizenship. The analysis will focus on Italy’s Metropolitan Cities, introduced a decade ago, and will examine four key dimensions: institutional, political, participatory, and digital (smart city governance).

The laboratory will be guided by the following questions: How are Metropolitan Cities structured and governed in Italy? Which urban and territorial policies fall within their responsibilities? How and to what extent do citizens participate in metropolitan policymaking?

These questions will allow students to acquire new knowledge. 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, 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, only some sections (syllabus available on the platform "Virtuale" )
2. Giorgia Nesti (2018), Trasformazioni urbane. Le città intelligenti fra sfide e opportunità, Roma, Carocci, only some sections(syllabus available on the platform "Virtuale")
3. Additional empirical materials (articles, reports, metropolitan plans) related to the case studies will be made available by the instructor on the platform "Virtuale" .

Teaching methods

The teaching method emphasizes active student participation through group work, presentations of assigned readings, and the discussion of case studies. Short lectures will complement these activities by introducing key themes and providing a framework for analysis and reflection. Attendance is mandatory. Enrollment is limited to 24 students, and participation by non-attending students is not allowed.

Assessment methods

Each student will take part in two group assignments: (1) the presentation and discussion of scholarly articles and datasets; and (2) the analysis and discussion of empirical case studies. Group work includes activities to be completed outside class (reading assigned texts, analyzing data, and preparing presentations), followed by in-class presentations and discussions conducted according to the instructor’s guidelines. Active participation in these activities, together with regular attendance, is required to obtain course eligibility. Attendance requirements are met by completing at least 70% of the scheduled hours. There is no final examination. Upon successful completion of the laboratory activities, eligibility will be recorded electronically.

Teaching tools

Multimedia materials, data reports, case-study documentation, and presentation slides

Office hours

See the website of Brunetta Baldi