The seminar aims to impart knowledge and skills in scientific policy advice. It prepares students for a possible career in this field and offers a critical reflection on the practice of scientific policy advice.

Geographers work in planning offices, associations, institutions, applied research facilities and universities to produce studies on current topics in urban and regional development. Starting a career in this field of scientific policy advice is often like jumping in at the deep end: scientific work and meticulous research must be reconciled with the often time-critical and content-related requirements of policy advice.

The seminar provides insights into the practice of scientific policy advice in the context of urban and regional development. It shows how geographical knowledge and corresponding methods are used in advising federal, state and municipal institutions.

As part of a group project, a short scientific study is prepared and presented to accompany the seminar. All the essential steps of scientific policy advice - from the preparation of the proposal to the attractive presentation of the results - are run through in a practical manner.

• Introduction
• Positionality and banalization
• Support programs and funding
• Creating offers 
• Methods 
• Presenting results
• Writing studies
• Critical reflection

Chilla, T.; Kühne, O.; Neufeld, M., 2016: Regionalentwicklung. (=UTB, 4566). Stuttgart: Ulmer.

Mattissek, A.; Pfaffenbach, C.; Reuber, P., 2013: Methoden der empirischen Humangeographie. (2. Auflage). (=Das Geographische Seminar). Braunschweig: Westermann.

Meier Kruker, V.; Rauh, J., 2005: Arbeitsmethoden der Humangeographie. (=Geowissen kompakt). Darmstadt: Wiss. Buchges.

At the end of the seminar, students should:

• Be able to distinguish between different concepts and subject areas of AI
• Understand and be able to apply “ready-to-use” tools from the field of machine learning
• Understand the concepts and basics of deep learning
• Be able to build, train and apply their own simple neural networks in Python

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction, but an integral part of the digitalized world. Even in ancient times, myths dealt with artificially created beings whose ways of thinking were modeled on those of humans. But the development of computer-based AI algorithms began at the latest with the founding of the research field of “Artificial Intelligence” in 1956. Today, artificial intelligence algorithms can be found in almost all disciplines. The terms “artificial intelligence”, “machine learning”, and “deep learning” seem to be omnipresent and are often difficult to differentiate. At the same time, the terms have been heavily mystified in recent years, so that their functioning may seem like magic. This seminar aims to dispel such prejudices and provide an introduction to the topics of machine learning and deep learning. 

The course covers the theoretical foundations of various artificial intelligence approaches, ranging from established machine learning algorithms to neural networks from the field of deep learning and distributed artificial intelligence techniques for geosimulation of cells and agents. In the scope of the course, different approaches will be learned and applied with a focus on geographic and especially geodata-related issues using GIS environments and Python scripts. Established algorithms from the field of machine learning (e.g. Random Forest and Support Vector Machines) will be discussed and applied.

The subject area of deep learning will be taught using the joint programming of simple neural networks in the Python programming language.

Contents of the seminar are:

• Pattern and object recognition in data (e.g. traffic observation, ship detection in radar  images, etc.)
• Prediction of natural and economic phenomena (e.g. modeling of the housing market, weather forecasts, etc.)
• Geosimulation (e.g. spatiotemporal prediction of urban growth processes)

Theoretical basics, basics of Python programming, hands-on practical examples, and individual processing of data sets

Géron, A. 2019: Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit Learn Keras and Tensorflow – Concepts Tools and Techniques to Build Intelligent Systems

Canty, M. 2019: Image Analysis, Classification and Change Detection in Remote Sensing: With Algorithms for Python

Douilliard, A. 2018: Object Detection with Deep Learning on Aerial Imagery

Students 
know

• basic theoretical considerations on the orientation towards the common good in cities
• different actors with their options for action, programs and projects

can

• develop criteria for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of projects and initiatives oriented towards the common good
• analyze specific projects 
• and discuss them critically and formulate ideas for further development.

Although not mainstream, a focus on the common good is a phenomenon that is attracting increasing interest in current urban development. From the reformulation of the Leipzig Charter at EU level to neighborhood projects and the “right to the city” movement, it is a common thread running through all levels. What is the cause of this phenomenon? What are the basic ideas behind it? What options are there for achieving them? Which actors are involved in the implementation and where are the limits of feasibility? 

Part 1: Theory

• Economic and social developments as the cause of the current interest in the common good
• Legal and planning backgrounds
• Scientific concepts

Part 2: Practice 

• Actors (from the EU to the “Right to the City” movement)
• Programs and projects (selected by the participants, combined with excursions and guest lectures)

Suitable for reading in: Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen 2020: Glossar zur gemeinwohlorientierten Stadtentwicklung. 

The research workshop at the GI is intended to enable students to work on research projects both individually and in small groups, not bound to a specific seminar, or to initiate their own small projects outside of a project seminar. The projects can be carried out in a wide variety of subject areas, can be regional or international, purely geographical but preferably interdisciplinary.
Involving students in research practice as early as possible offers them both a broader and deeper horizon of learning and experience, which will have a positive effect on the choice of a topic for their Master's thesis as well as their later career decision. The practice of self-organization, independent work and the assumption of responsibility are important goals that should lead to greater motivation and a stronger commitment to their studies and geography.

The content varies and must be requested individually from other lecturers.

Andreas Pflitsch:

I offer the following topics and locations:

Alaska, & USA Southwest: - can also be taken as an English-language course.

If you have already successfully completed an excursion on regional geography, Bachelor's students can participate in the research workshop with their own project or an individual question in the course of the excursions on regional geography to Alaska or the Southwest of the USA.

Master's students can also take part in the Regional Geography excursions (Bachelor's programme) to Alaska or the Southwest of the USA with their own project or individual research question.

A number of reserved places are available for these options.

Cave Climatology: Dechenhöhle Iserlohn

Various cave research projects are currently being carried out or are in the process of being set up. You can carry out your own investigations in the Dechenhöhle cave.

The investigations focus on the following topics:

Microclimatology such as air and rock temperatures, humidity, wind currents.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail (andreas.pflitsch@rub.de).

If you are interested, please contact the respective lecturer personally and discuss the further procedure individually.

Will be announced by the lecturers.

Lecture “Transport Economics and Transport Policy - Geography of Logistics and Transport”:

The lecture of the Institute of Geography provides an introductory overview of facts, problems, concepts and design options in transport geography, transport economics and transport policy as well as (spatial) logistics. Central topics are the differentiated analysis and evaluation of means and modes of transport, the transport policy framework and control options, the production and evaluation of transport services, the transport markets and the spatial and planning aspects of transport.

Seminar "Rail Transport"

The seminar is part of the module Transport Geography, alongside the lecture "Transport Economics and Policy – Geography of Logistics and Transport."

Contents of the lectures:

01) 13.10.2025: System Transport: Fundamentals, Terms, Categories, and Spatial Scientific Approaches

02) 20.10.2025: Transport – Mobility: Historical Development & Current Significance; Literature

03) 27.10.2025: Transport Economics: Supply & Demand, Laws, Distance, Costs & Prices

04) 03.11.2025: Transport Policy: Control Options, Concepts, Goals; Seminar Preliminary Discussion (Attendance mandatory)

05) 10.11.2025: Transport Geography: Transport and Space

06) 17.11.2025: Transport and Infrastructure Planning

07) 24.11.2025: Urban Transport and Urban Mobility Management

08) 01.12.2025: Logistics: Concept, Development, Concepts in Theory and Practice

09) 08.12.2025: Sectoral Examination I: Rail Transport

10) 15.12.2025: Sectoral Examination II: Road Transport 

Christmas holidays

11) 05.01.2026: Sectoral Examination III: Shipping and Waterways

12) 12.01.2026: Sectoral Examination IV: Air Transport

13) 19.01.2026: Networking in Transport: Combined Transport, Multimodality, Hubs and Interfaces

14) 26.01.2026: Outlook: Transport Today and Tomorrow – Transformation of Transport and Traffic Shift

15) 02.02.2026: Exam (12:15-13:15)

Possible presentation topics in the seminar:

01. shipping, waterways and ports as a subject of research in transport and economic geography

02. container traffic: a success story from the perspective of transport, logistics and port locations

03. shipping companies and terminal operators: changes under the influence of internationalization and globalization

04. The Rhine: development and significance as a waterway

05. The Moselle: Development and importance as a waterway

06. The Danube and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal: Development and importance as waterways

07. The Meuse: development and importance as a waterway and economic axis

08. Kiel Canal: Development and importance as a waterway

09. The St. Lawrence Seaway: development and importance as a waterway and economic axis

10. Port of Rotterdam: development, importance and prospects

11. Port of Antwerp: development, importance and prospects

12. Port of Hamburg: development, importance and prospects

13. Port of Jade-Weser: development, importance and prospects

14. Inland port of Duisburg: development, importance and prospects

15. Ports on the Lower Rhine: development, importance and prospects (excluding Duisburg)

16. Canal port of Dortmund: development, importance and prospects

17. Port of Dubai: development, importance and prospects

18. Ports in functional change: urban development and waterfront development projects

Lecture (please see dates above):

As part of the module on Transportation Geography (6 CP), a mandatory seminar is offered in addition to the lecture for students of Master's TLog (UDE) and Geography (RUB). There will be a compulsory preliminary meeting in the lecture on November 3, 2025, where the topics for presentations will be assigned. The seminar will take place as a 2-day block event on February 10 + 11, 2026 (10 AM - 4 PM; Room SM 102), focusing on presentations prepared, presented, and subsequently discussed by the participants.

• Preliminary meeting with allocation of presentation topics: during the lecture: Monday, November 3, 2025, 1:15 PM, Room SM 102 – Attendance is mandatory!
• Discussion of the thematic focuses of the topic (literature, outline, core points) until the beginning of the Christmas holidays 2025 during office hours (Monday 11 AM - 12 PM; appointment can be made via email).
• Block dates with presentation and discussion of the presentations: February 10 + 11, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Room SM 102; attendance is mandatory.

Performance requirements in the seminar (partial module performance):

• Full personal attendance and active participation in preliminary discussion and block seminar
• Preparation of an academic term paper on the topic (max. 12 pages incl. bibliography), submission as PDF by e-mail no later than February 3, 2026 (12:00 noon) - i.e. before the block seminar!
• Presentation/lecture: 15-20 minutes with subsequent discussion
• Abstract (copies) of the presentation: maximum two pages, including illustrations and literature
• Please note: The geographical, i.e. spatial or spatial science perspective is obligatory for the term paper and presentation.
• The seminar performance results from: Term paper, collaboration, presentation with abstract.

The above requirements are mandatory without exception. Non-compliance will result in exclusion from the seminar.

Environmental impact assessment is an important field of work for geographers at official level, in ministries and state offices, at large companies or in private consultancy firms. At the interface between the determination/mapping of biotope types, flora and fauna and the preparation of landscape and environmental planning reports, a solid background knowledge of the content and methodological approach of the classic planning instruments is essential and often a decisive factor in the allocation of jobs. The aim of the course is to impart this background knowledge and to illustrate it with a case study to be worked out by the participants themselves.

• Introduction to the instruments of environmental impact assessment
• Conveying content and methodological procedures in the context of preparing expert reports on impact regulation (LBP), environmental impact assessment (UVS), Natura 2000 impact assessment and species protection assessment (saP) 
• Legal basis (BNatSchG, FFH Directive, UVPG etc.)
• Identification and assessment of relevant protected assets 
• Forecast and assessment of environmental impacts
• Development of components of an expert opinion using a practical example

• Introduction and overview of the instruments
• Working on an instrument using a practical example
• Presentation and written account of the results 

Will be announced in the course

• To be able to discuss how soils and urban ecosystems are interlinked in both the past and the present.
• Get in touch with ongoing and emerging concerns for urban soils and critically assess remediation options.
• Based on a sound understanding of soil physical and chemical properties discern soils as essential resources for sustainable urban populations

• Formation and properties of urban soils
• Urban soil functions
• Contaminants in urban soil
• Urban soils as sources and sinks

Seminar with input lectures, journal club and initial proposal writing

Students learn about different possibilities of specialization in ecology and which methods are used in the respective field. Specialization means that not only different areas of knowledge and different methodological approaches are internalized, but that ultimately different career paths are chosen: from a doctorate to working in public authorities or in a planning office to the interface with the social sciences, e.g. through the analysis of human-environment interactions. Students learn from lecturers and selected guest lecturers about different directions of specialization in the field of ecology and find out which “methodological toolbox” is required for each.

Choosing a career always goes hand in hand with a focus on a specific method and subject area. But: What knowledge and methodological skills do I need for the various professional fields in ecology? What can I expect in a nature conservation authority? How should I imagine a doctorate in ecology/physical geography? What methods do I use to work with society and communicate research results? In addition to career-related insights into different subject areas and methods, various current ecological challenges are presented and discussed in the course.

Seminar with field trips and guest lectures

After successful completion of the module, students will

• have gained a critical understanding of the diverging meanings of core concepts of landscape and environmen in various fields of politics in Europe and in Germany,
• have a knowledge of the tasks and structure of landscape planning in Germany,
• are familiar with the most important instruments of landscape and environmental planning.

• Landscape Definitions (e.g., European Landscape Convention, UNESCO World Heritage Convention)
• Federal Nature Conservation Act (German: BNatSchG u. LSchG NRW)
• Environmental Aspects (Concerns) in Binding Land use Plans and in Regional Planning
• Nature Conservation, Biotope (Value) Assessment and Compensation
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA - German: UVP, UVU, UVS)
• Environmental Indicators and Environmental Quality Goals and Standards
• Strategic Environmental Assessment
• Methods of Multi-dimensional Ecological Impact Analyses for Planning

Lectures, group discussions, short field trips and oral contributions

Understanding and knowledge of the UN institution IPCC, its tasks and working methods; teaching, development and discussion of the main scientific statements of the IPCC reports (6th Assessment Report) on global warming (climate change), reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (climate protection), vulnerability and adaptation to climate change

1) What is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and how does it work?

2) Procedure of the IPCC reports and the role of government delegations in their adoption 

3) Structure of the reports

•  Special reports,
•  Working Group reports (WG I to III),
•  Synthesis report,
•  Summaries for political decision-makers

4) Key messages from the reports of the 6th Assessment Report

• WG I: “scientific basis”: current global warming, man-made contribution to current global warming, future global warming, IPCC scenarios, residual CO2 budget, link between CO2 and global warming, earth energy imbalance
   
• Further topics from all working group reports and the special reports: Limits to adaptation, tipping points and other topics requested by participants

5) Outlook for the upcoming Assessment Report (Special Report “Cities and Climate Change”, new emission scenarios, new models, ...)

6) Critical appraisal of the work of the IPCC (timeliness, financing, sequence of reports, synchronization with other reports (biodiversity, global stocktake)

The course will be a combination of input lectures and seminar parts. In addition we will make a role play simulating an IPCC plenary meeting.

IPCC, 2023: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, H. Lee and J. Romero (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, pp. 1-34, doi: 10.59327/IPCC/AR6-9789291691647.001

IPCC, 2021: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, A. Pirani, S.L. Connors, C. Péan, S. Berger, N. Caud, Y. Chen, L. Goldfarb, M.I. Gomis, M. Huang, K. Leitzell, E. Lonnoy, J.B.R. Matthews, T.K. Maycock, T. Waterfield, O. Yelekçi, R. Yu, and B. Zhou (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp. 3−32, doi:10.1017/9781009157896.001.

IPCC, 2018: Summary for Policymakers. In: Global Warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty [Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, H.-O. Pörtner, D. Roberts, J. Skea, P.R. Shukla, A. Pirani, W. Moufouma-Okia, C. Péan, R. Pidcock, S. Connors, J.B.R. Matthews, Y. Chen, X. Zhou, M.I. Gomis, E. Lonnoy, T. Maycock, M. Tignor, and T. Waterfield (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 3-24. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009157940.001.

Currently, a reorientation of mobility, traffic and transport processes is being called for under the buzzwords "traffic turnaround" or "mobility turnaround" in the context of climate change. Since the turn of the millennium, environmentally relevant perspectives have increasingly been incorporated into transport and logistics planning, often under image-driven buzzwords such as "sustainable mobility" or "green logistics". I

In this current socio-political context, the lecture presents and discusses ideas, concepts and implementation options for so-called sustainable transport from a scientific perspective.

The lecture as a course of the Institute of Geography and organised by the Chair of Economic Geography, in particular Transport and Logistics, focuses on the spatial perspective of this topic - the view of transport geography.

Both freight and passenger transport are included with regard to their environmental and sustainability dimensions. Building on fundamental findings from transport science, environmental research and the sustainability debate, specific issues relating to passenger and freight transport are considered from the perspective of transport geography. Approaches, concepts and instruments for the design of sustainable transport structures are discussed and evaluated.

The following topics will be addressed in the lecture:
-The concept of sustainability and its relationship to (transport) geography

-Environmental impacts of transport: noise, air, land consumption

-Energy consumption in transport

-Planning concepts: car-friendly city, pedestrian-friendly city, "Traffic turnaround"

-Transport economics and sustainability

-Transport policy approaches from the perspective of sustainability

-Sustainability concepts in logistics

-Sustainable transport concepts in Germany, Europe and beyond

Module: Lecture + Seminar
- Seminar for the lecture: Block seminar expected on 23 + 24 July 2024 ‘Sustainable mobility management in urban passenger and freight transport’
- Preliminary discussion of the seminar: in the lecture on 05.05.2025 - Compulsory attendance: assignment of presentation topics and organisational information
- Module grade: half of the grade results from the written exam grade and half from the seminar grade (paper with presentation and abstract/handout; no term paper

Lecture schedule:

14.04.2025 1. basics of the organisation and structure of the lecture;
                       Concept of sustainability and its application in transport

21.04.2025 2. sustainability in transport: a practical observation task

28.04.2025 3. transport, environment, energy: interactions and influences

05.05.2025 4. transport policy requirements for sustainability in transport, seminar preliminary discussion

12.05.2025 5. elements of a sustainable transport transition and the role of space and spatial planning

19.05.2025 6. sustainability in urban transport and individual transport behaviour

26.05.2025 7. sustainability in freight transport and ‘green logistics’

02.06.2025 8. modal shift: possibilities and limits

09.06.2025 Whit Monday - public holiday: no lecture

16.06.2025 9. inland navigation: sustainability and intermodality in freight transport, air transport in the context of the sustainability debate

23.06.2025 10. Regional case studies I: Ruhr area, Switzerland

30.06.2025 11. Regional case studies II: United Arab Emirates, USA

07.07.2025 12. Perspectives and restrictions: Sustainability in transport

14.07.2025 13. closed session (12:15-13:15)

23 + 24 July 2025 Block seminar ‘Sustainable mobility management in urban passenger and freight transport’

Presentation topics:

1. sustainability in urban transport
2. resident/resident parking: current problems and concepts
3. city centre closures for car traffic: concepts, implementation, criticism
4. cycling in the city: concepts, initial situation, problems, concepts & case study Amsterdam
5. e-scooters - a contribution to the so-called traffic turnaround
6. concepts for strengthening pedestrian mobility in cities
7. possibilities and limits of integrating passenger shipping into urban public transport
8. autonomous buses in public transport: concepts, possibilities, limits
9. renaissance of the tram in urban areas
10. freight trams: Ideas, realisations, problems
11. urban commercial transport - a shadowy existence or a key element of the transport transition?
12. car-free and low-car residential neighbourhoods: Idea, realisation, problems
13. corporate mobility management: concepts, players, realisation
14. industrial estates - a poor relation of sustainable transport planning

in the lecture

In the seminar parts, soil protection law and the technical basis for a soil approach in accordance with the Soil Science Mapping Guide (KA 6), including the functional assessment, will be presented and the soil-forming processes after the massive disturbance of the soil by acts of war will be worked out. The seminar content will be deepened with the field work and prepared in a practical way.

Modern wars with their extensive use of technical means have had and continue to have a considerable impact on the landscape and soils both in the frontline areas and in the “hinterland”. Even 80 years after the end of the Second World War, the soils, especially in the Ruhr area, show a multitude of changes that can be traced back to the effects of war. 
The event will use soil characteristics that can still be observed today to examine the specific effects of war on soils and how the resulting changes after 80 years of soil-forming processes can be assessed with regard to the fulfillment of soil functions. 
The course consists of a seminar part as well as excursions and practical field work. 

Development of the basics in seminar form:

• Fundamentals of soil protection law
• Technical and professional basics
• Soil function assessment
• Case studies
• Concept development

Excursion with field work

• Approach possibilities in the field 
• Comparison KA5/KA6
• Assessment options

Will be announced during the seminar.

The research workshop at the GI is intended to enable students to work on research projects both individually and in small groups, not bound to a specific seminar, or to initiate their own small projects outside of a project seminar. The projects can be carried out in a wide variety of subject areas, can be regional or international, purely geographical but preferably interdisciplinary.
Involving students in research practice as early as possible offers them both a broader and deeper horizon of learning and experience, which will have a positive effect on the choice of a topic for their Master's thesis as well as their later career decision. Practising self-organisation, independent work and the assumption of responsibility are important goals that should lead to greater motivation and a stronger commitment to their studies and geography.

The content can be requested individually from other lecturers.

Andreas Pflitsch/Teresa Mansheim:

For the summer term, I am offering the following topics and locations:

Alaska

As part of the research in the glacier caves and the former copper mines of Kennekott/McCarthy in the Wrangell St. Elias National Park in Alaska, an approximately 14-day research trip will be carried out in September 2025. Up to 3 students can take part in this trip.

The trip will focus on recording the cave structures of glacier caves using laser scanners, as well as recording various climatological parameters such as air temperature and air currents. The same measurements will be taken in the icy mines.

Overall, the trip has a certain adventurous character.

The research work is quite strenuous, as we sometimes have to hike for several hours to the research sites. Accommodation is in tents, without much comfort. We will reach one of the research sites by small aeroplane, where we will stay for a few days. At least there is a simple hut with a stove so that we can warm up there in the evening and dry our damp clothes. But there is hardly a better way to experience the breathtaking landscapes and glaciers of Alaska.

The cost will be around €1,000 to €1,300 (excluding flights to Alaska).

Dechenhöhle in Iserlohn and other topics:

On individual request

If you have any further questions, please contact me by e-mail (andreas.pflitsch@rub.de).

If you are interested, please contact the respective lecturer personally and discuss the further procedure individually.

Will be announced by the lecturers.

The students...
...understand the problems of regional transformation towards sustainability.
...develop conditions for the sustainable development of company locations.
...use various creativity techniques (design thinking).
...work out solutions for a real problem of our practice partner (Business Metropole Ruhr) for the development of sustainable business locations in the Ruhr region.
...develop a pitch for a sustainability concept.

The seminar offers you the exciting opportunity to actively participate in the sustainable development of business locations in the Ruhr region. Based on the Challenge Based Learning concept, our practice partner, the Business Metropole Ruhr, will present you with a specific challenge. Using the Design Thinking method, you will first analyse the problem situation and then develop creative solutions together over two intensive block days. You will then present these to the practice partner - and with a bit of luck, your ideas will even be put into practice! The aim is to develop innovative ideas that have a real impact. The focus is on your own experience in creative solution development, elaboration and experimentation. Take part and help shape the future sustainably!

The seminar takes place at irregular intervals throughout the semester, with two block days and a double session at the end.

Mon 07.04.2025 Individual session
Mon 14.04.2025 Individual session
Mon 28.04.2025 Individual session
Mon 05/05/2025 Individual session
Mon 26/05/2025 Individual session
Sat 21/06/2025 Block day
Sat 05.07.2025 Block day
Mon 14/07/2025 Pitch presentation, double session

Will be announced during the seminar.

Students will learn how sustainability can be described in the neighborhood. They will also get to know various participatory processes and try out their application in the neighborhood. Different participation and governance approaches are known. Systems theory can be applied to the neighborhood and its potential developments. An examination of transformative sustainability research has taken place.

• Basic theory and practice of participation
• Neighborhood definition and governance approaches 
• Systems theory
• Transformative sustainability research including the development and implementation of a real-world laboratory

interactive

Beecroft, R.; Parodi, O. (2016): Reallabore als Orte der Nachhaltigkeitsforschung und Transformation. In: TATuP - Zeitschrift für Technikfolgenabschätzung in Theorie und Praxis 25 (3): 4–8.

Change-Makers (Hg.) (2015): Art of Hosting Handbuch. Über die Kunst, Räume für gute Gespräche zu schaffen. https://esieben.ch/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2015AoH- Handbuch_Ostschweiz.pdf [05.05.2020]. 

Di Giulio, A.; Defila, R. (Hg.) (2018): Transdisziplinär und transformativ forschen. Eine Methodensammlung. Wiesbaden.

Maschkowski, G.; Wanner, M. (2014): Die Transition-Town-Bewegung – Empowerment für die große Transformation? In: pnd online II 2014, S. 1-11. 

Parodi, O.; Albiez, M.; Beecroft, R.; Meyer-Soylu, S.; Quint, A.; Seebacher, A.; Trenks, H; Waitz, C. (2016): Das Konzept ,,Reallabor” schärfen: Ein Zwischenruf des Reallabor 131: KIT findet Stadt. In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society 25 (4): 284–285.

Schneidewind, U.; Singer-Brodowski, M. (2013). Transformative Wissenschaft: Klimawandel im deutschen Wissenschafts- und Hochschulsystem. Marburg.

Wanner, M. & Stelzer, Dr. F. (2019): in brief 07/2019: Reallabore – Perspektiven für ein Forschungsformat im Aufwind. Wuppertal: Wuppertal Institut (Hrsg.).

Wissenschaftlicher Beirat der Bundesregierung Globale Umweltveränderungen (Hg.) (2016): Der Umzug der Menschheit: Die transformative Kraft der Städte. Berlin: https://www.wbgu.de/de/publikationen/publikation/der-umzug-der-menschheit-die-transformative-kraft-der-staedte [23.08.2020].

Participants acquire 

• an understanding of neighborhood-related governance with a focus on the housing sector,
• knowledge of players in the housing and real estate industry,
• knowledge of the framework and market conditions that influence the housing industry and urban development,
• the ability to critically reflect on political and planning approaches to increase sustainability.

The main topics of the seminar are: 

• What is the housing industry?
• General conditions for the development of housing (e.g. availability of space, construction costs, shortage of skilled workers)
• New requirements for the creation of housing (e.g. climate pathway, subsidized housing construction, sustainability reporting)
• Solution approaches (e.g. serial construction, serial renovation, circular construction)
• Medium and long-term prospects for residential construction

This is a fortnightly seminar that is supplemented by excursions and guest speakers. 
In the first part, the basics of the players in the housing industry and the framework conditions that currently determine their actions are taught. 
Subsequently, challenges, in particular the conflict between rising construction costs and the requirements of climate and social policy, will be focused on and critically reflected upon.
Approaches to solutions developed by the housing industry will be presented using specific case studies (including Duisburg in particular) and in some cases discussed with stakeholders.
Finally, the significance of these developments for the medium and long-term provision of housing in Germany will be discussed.

Will be announced during the seminar. In addition, recommended for basics: 

Grzesiok, Svenja 2018: Bündnisse für Wohnen im Quartier: Ein Format integrierter und kooperativer Quartiersentwicklung. Wiesbaden.