After successful completion of the course, students are able to give a well-ground overview of the relationship between urbanization and mental health, and critically discuss the related empirical evidence.
Rates of mental illness, addictions, and violence are higher in urban areas and changes in social network systems and support have increased levels of social isolation and lack of social support. In this seminar, students will learn how urbanization and the built environment might impact mental health of the population. In particular, the following topics in mental health will be critically discussed in the class:
Students are encouraged to suggest additional topics of interest, and are expected to critically discuss and reflect on the evidence provided from a spatial and urban planning perspective.
Students will work on a brief literature review on a topic of their choice throughout the semester with the evidence discussed in class as a starting point.
The seminar will consist of introductory inputs from the lecturer, reading and discussion of selected scientific publications, writing of a seminar paper based on a systematic literature review, and at least one field trip (Narrenturm Wien).
The course is assigned to the following elective modules:
The course mainly addresses master students from planning and architecture, and interested advanced bachelor students. We explicitly welcome students coming from other Viennese universities in disciplines relating to urban studies and spatial research, such as educational studies, migration studies, urban design, geography, sociology, political science, landscape architecture, cultural studies (‘Mitbeleger’ at TU Wien). The course language is English. We support students’ active participation in debates and interactive teaching formats. We encourage students to bring in and develop their own ideas and critical perspectives. We seek to create an international level of debate and exchange and welcome students from all countries and cultures.
