This course examines the intersection of ethics and culture within the context of urban sustainability. It addresses ethical reasoning models, cultural identity, and moral dilemmas in contemporary urban life. Through a flipped classroom methodology, students will critically analyze real-world ethical challenges related to cultural diversity, social justice, environmental ethics, and governance in urban settings.

Students are able to¿ 1.1 ¿review and describe some of the historical, social, political and economic processes and structures that have shaped the world. 8 ¿consider academic norms and ways of thinking across different disciplines and subject areas, bringing them into play as appropriate. 11 ¿demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability to collaborate in international and intercultural contexts, learning from others, recognising and respecting diverse perspectives and needs.

Weeks 1-2: Introduction & Ethical Theories in Urban Life Overview of Ethics and Culture in Urban Sustainability. Ethical frameworks: Deontology, Utilitarianism, and Virtue Ethics. Case Studies: Amsterdam: Balancing Cultural Heritage and Progressive Ethics (drug policy, sex work regulations, multiculturalism). Barcelona: The 15-minute City Ethical Dilemma: Gentrification, car limitation, and public space accessibility. Weeks 3-4: Social Justice, Urban Inequality, and Cultural Diversity Theories of social justice: distributive justice, recognition, and participation. Moral pluralism and cultural identity in diverse urban settings. Case Studies: Vienna ¿ Housing Equity Through Public Renting Policies. New York City: Navigating Cultural Pluralism and Community Cohesion. Paris (Banlieues): Utopias and Dystopias of Suburbs: Le Corbusier¿s vision versus the reality of social exclusion. Weeks 5-6: Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Urban Development Ethical frameworks applied to urban environmental challenges. Case Studies: Copenhagen: Urban Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Strategies. Barcelona : 15-minutes city and Car-Free Zones: Balancing sustainability and social exclusion risks. Weeks 7-8: Digital Ethics and the Smart City Ethical implications of digital technologies in urban governance and surveillance. Case Studies: Barcelona: Ethical Urban Data Management and Citizen Control in the Smart City Agenda. Shanghai : Surveillance Systems and Ethical Boundaries of Digital Governance. Weeks 9-10: Governance, Ethics, and Leadership in Urban Settings Ethical dimensions of urban governance, leadership, and civic participation. Case Studies: Medellín: Ethical Leadership and Urban Transformation through participatory planning. Weeks 11-12: Heritage, Memory, and Ethical Preservation Ethical dilemmas related to urban heritage and memory in multicultural cities. Case Studies: Berlin: Preservation of Memory Sites versus Urban Development. Jerusalem: Conflicting Narratives and Ethical Urban Heritage Management. Weeks 13-14: Group Presentations & Ethical Reflections on Future Cities Students present their ethical case studies related to cities of their choice. Synthesis and reflection on the course¿s themes and methodologies.

The course follows a flipped classroom approach, where students engage with readings and multimedia materials before class. Sessions will be dedicated to interactive discussions, case studies, and problem-solving exercises. The key methodologies include: Case-based learning: Examination of ethical dilemmas in urban contexts. Collaborative discussions: Structured debates on contemporary issues. Reflective writing: Analytical essays on ethical challenges. Guest speakers and urban explorations: Engaging with real-world perspectives on ethics in urban life