Data and Urban Governance from Coursera

Since the beginning of the 2000s, cities have witnessed a massive influx of data, transforming how cities are governed. Data has an impact on how city life is structured, as it influences coalitions, actors, instruments, policies, and forms of regulation.

In this MOOC, we will look at this shift more closely: what has the advent of big data done to urban governance? Have platforms disrupted local authorities? How has big data changed local politics? How do we govern using algorithms? What is the place of citizens in the digital city? Is it still possible to be anonymous in the city?

At the end of this course, you will be able to navigate the landscape of urban governance in the digital era, including its myriad actors and instruments; to decipher what drives ongoing transformations in how local governments are structured and operate; to analyze the contemporary changes in municipal service markets; and to understand what is at stake in terms of the creation and implementation of public policies when data comes to town.

This MOOC is offered by the Digital Cities Chair of the Urban School of SciencesPo, funded by La Poste, RTE and the Caisse des Dépôts.

Videos are in creative commons license BY NC

What's inside

Syllabus

When Data Comes to Town

Data and urban capitalism

Data and territorial administration

Data and Algorithmic Governmentality

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines topics that are highly relevant to city government employees

Develops knowledge and skills in urban governance in the digital era

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their expertise

This course is highly specialized

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Data and Urban Governance with these activities:

Review fundamental principles and concepts of urban planning and management

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Refresh foundational knowledge to enhance understanding of urban data governance.

Browse courses on Data

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Identify key principles and concepts
Review notes, textbooks, or online resources
Take practice quizzes or engage in self-testing

Review Governmentality and the Market: Studies in Economic Rationalities

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Understand the framework of governmentality and its influence on urban governance and data.

View The Foucault Effect on Amazon

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Read Part I: Governmentality, Rationality, and the Self
Consider how the ideas presented relate to data governance in urban settings
Take notes on key concepts and their implications

Explore online tutorials or resources on urban data visualization

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Develop skills in visualizing urban data to enhance communication and analysis.

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Identify online tutorials or resources on urban data visualization
Follow the tutorials and practice creating data visualizations
Apply the techniques to visualize data related to the course topics

Three other activities

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Engage in discussions on urban data governance case studies

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Exchange ideas and perspectives on real-world examples of urban data governance, fostering collaborative learning.

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Select a case study of urban data governance
Prepare by researching and analyzing the case study
Participate in the peer discussion, sharing insights and perspectives

Participate in data collection and analysis in a local urban setting

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Gain practical experience in urban data collection and analysis, and observe its impact on urban governance.

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Identify a local urban issue or challenge
Design a data collection method and gather relevant data
Analyze the data to identify patterns and insights
Develop recommendations or solutions based on the analysis

Develop a blog or article on the ethical implications of data governance in cities

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Explore the ethical implications of urban data governance and engage in critical thinking and analysis.

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Research and identify ethical issues in urban data governance
Develop a thesis and supporting arguments
Write the blog or article, presenting your analysis and perspectives clearly

Career center

Learners who complete Data and Urban Governance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Scientist, including data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. You will also learn how to apply these skills to solve real-world problems in urban environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources in urban areas. They work with government agencies, developers, and community groups to create plans that meet the needs of the community. This course can help you understand the role of data in urban planning, and how to use data to create more sustainable and equitable cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

GIS Analyst

GIS Analysts use geographic information systems (GIS) to create maps and analyze data. They work in a variety of industries, including government, environmental science, and transportation. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a GIS Analyst, including data analysis, mapmaking, and spatial analysis. You will also learn how to use GIS to solve real-world problems in urban environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts use research and data to help organizations make decisions about public policy. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. This course can help you build a foundation in urban data management and analysis, which is essential for understanding the impact of public policy on cities. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve urban life.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its impact on human health. They work for government agencies, research institutions, and consulting firms. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental science, and how to use data to analyze environmental issues in cities. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve environmental quality in cities.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and solve problems. They work for a variety of organizations, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, and businesses. This course can help you build a foundation in community organizing, and how to use data to help communities solve problems. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve community development in cities.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people solve problems and improve their lives. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers. This course can help you build a foundation in social work, and how to use data to help people solve problems in cities. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve social welfare in cities.

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Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers design and manage transportation systems. They work for government agencies, consulting firms, and private companies. This course can help you understand the role of data in transportation planning and engineering, and how to use data to improve transportation systems in cities. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to create more sustainable and equitable transportation systems.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They work for a variety of clients, including private individuals, businesses, and government agencies. This course can help you understand the role of data in landscape architecture and urban design, and how to use data to design more sustainable and equitable cities. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve the built environment in cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Developers acquire, develop, and manage real estate property. They work for a variety of clients, including private individuals, businesses, and government agencies. This course can help you understand the role of data in real estate development and urban planning, and how to use data to make more informed decisions about real estate investments. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve the built environment in cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They work for a variety of clients, including private individuals, businesses, and government agencies. This course can help you understand the role of data in construction management and urban development, and how to use data to improve the efficiency and quality of construction projects. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve the built environment in cities.

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Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures. They work for a variety of clients, including private individuals, businesses, and government agencies. This course can help you understand the role of data in architecture and urban design, and how to use data to design more sustainable and equitable cities. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve the built environment in cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Urban Economist

Urban Economists study the economic issues facing cities. They work for government agencies, research institutions, and consulting firms. This course can help you build a foundation in urban economics, and how to use data to analyze economic issues in cities. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve urban economic development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Economist

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. They work for a variety of clients, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you understand the role of data in civil engineering and urban design, and how to use data to design more sustainable and equitable cities. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities of using data to improve the built environment in cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer