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Marco te Brömmelstroet, George Liu, and Anna Nikolaeva

Ready to imagine a radically different mobility future? This course is about the stories that we tell ourselves about why and how we move. By critically examining our current narratives, we help you think about mobility in a new way. Using systems dynamics modelling, we explore how a mobility innovation (of your choice) impacts our mobility system as a whole, for better or for worse. This course will invite you to reflect on our mainstream mobility narrative built on engineering and economics. But warning: you may end up never looking at mobility in the same way again!

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Ready to imagine a radically different mobility future? This course is about the stories that we tell ourselves about why and how we move. By critically examining our current narratives, we help you think about mobility in a new way. Using systems dynamics modelling, we explore how a mobility innovation (of your choice) impacts our mobility system as a whole, for better or for worse. This course will invite you to reflect on our mainstream mobility narrative built on engineering and economics. But warning: you may end up never looking at mobility in the same way again!

This online course is supported by the EIT Urban Mobility’s Competence Hub. EIT Urban Mobility is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) that has been working since January 2019 to encourage positive changes in the way people move around cities in order to make them more sustainable and liveable places.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Why Mobility Language Matters
Week 2: The Dominant Narrative: Mobility as Disutility
Week 3: Alternative 1: Mobility as Unnecessity
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Week 4: Alternative 2: Commoning Mobility
Week 5: Alternative 3: Mobility as Play
Week 6: Alternative 4: Mobility as Interaction
Week 7: Final Assignment

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops critical thinking and systems thinking skills, which are in high demand across various industries
Explores alternative perspectives on mobility, including mobility as play and mobility as interaction
Uses systems dynamics modelling, a valuable tool for understanding complex systems
Supported by the EIT Urban Mobility’s Competence Hub, indicating potential relevance to industry professionals
May be particularly relevant for individuals interested in urban planning, transportation, or sustainability

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Reviews summary

Thought-provoking mobility discussions

Students of Alternative Mobility Narratives say that this is an engaging and well-structured course that features readings, videos, quizzes, and practical activities to help you learn. Students particularly appreciate the opportunity to apply what they've learned to a real-world mobility innovation case. Overall, students describe this course as thought-provoking and inspiring, especially if you're interested in understanding different perspectives on mobility.
Taught by experts who are passionate about mobility.
"The course is taught by experts on the subject, who transmit their knowledge and passion for mobility in a clear and entertaining way."
Makes you question your assumptions about mobility.
"It was good to reflect on how we approach time spent underway."
"The course expanded my understanding of different views and approaches to mobility."
"The course has offered me various perspectives and tools to analyze and question the dominant narrative about mobility."
Apply your learning to a real-world mobility issue.
"The course has also invited me to apply what I have learned to a mobility innovation case of my choice"
Some content presents a privileged perspective.
"Week 3 was a bit odd and could be reviewed - very priviledged HIC male perspective"

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 Alternative Mobility Narratives with these activities:
Attend Mobility Industry Events
Provides an opportunity to network with professionals in the field of mobility, which will help them to learn about career opportunities and make valuable connections.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Find mobility industry events in your area.
  • Attend the events and introduce yourself to professionals.
  • Exchange contact information and follow up with the professionals you meet.
Learn Systems Dynamics Modeling
Provides an opportunity to learn the basics of systems dynamics modeling, which will be used in the course to explore the impacts of mobility innovations.
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials or courses on systems dynamics modeling.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the practice exercises.
  • Apply systems dynamics modeling to a simple mobility problem.
Discuss Mobility Narratives
Expand your perspectives and enhance your critical thinking skills by engaging in discussions on mobility narratives with peers.
Show steps
  • Prepare by reading course materials
  • Attend the discussion session
  • Actively participate in the discussion
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Mobility Language Analysis
Reinforce your understanding of how language influences how we think about mobility by practicing mobility language analysis.
Show steps
  • Identify and define key mobility terms
  • Explore different mobility narratives
  • Analyze the implications of these narratives
Design a Mobility Innovation
Deepen your understanding of mobility systems and the potential impacts of innovation by designing your own mobility innovation.
Show steps
  • Identify a mobility problem
  • Research existing mobility solutions
  • Develop a concept for your innovation
Create a Mobility Systems Map
Enhance your understanding of the interconnectedness of mobility systems by creating a map of a specific mobility system.
Browse courses on Systems Thinking
Show steps
  • Identify the key components of the mobility system
  • Map the relationships between these components
  • Analyze the map to identify potential areas for improvement
Develop a Mobility Innovation Proposal
Provides an opportunity to apply the concepts learned in the course to a real-world problem, which will help students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a mobility problem or challenge.
  • Develop an innovative solution to the problem.
  • Create a proposal outlining the solution, its benefits, and its potential impact.

Career center

Learners who complete Alternative Mobility Narratives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mobility Planner
Mobility Planners devise and improve transportation systems for cities and towns. This course will enhance your knowledge of urban planning, which can help you in your day-to-day work. Through the course, you will learn to critically reflect on the current transportation landscape and explore new approaches and models. The final assignment challenges you to build your mobility innovation and model its impact on the existing system. These skills are valuable for Mobility Planners as they provide a comprehensive understanding of mobility systems and the ability to envision and implement innovative solutions.
Transportation Engineer
Transportation Engineers design, construct, and maintain transportation infrastructure. This course provides an overview of alternative mobility narratives, which can broaden your perspective on transportation systems. You will understand the limitations of the current transportation paradigm and explore alternative approaches that prioritize sustainability, equity, and accessibility. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps simulate the impact of transportation innovations on the larger mobility system.
Sustainable Transportation Analyst
Sustainable Transportation Analysts evaluate the environmental and social impacts of transportation systems. This course may be useful to you as it deepens your understanding of the environmental and social dimensions of mobility. You will explore alternative mobility narratives that challenge the dominant paradigm of mobility as a source of pollution and congestion. The course also provides a foundation in systems dynamics modeling, which helps you understand the complex interactions within transportation systems.
Mobility Researcher
Mobility Researchers study the behavior, patterns, and impacts of transportation systems. This course will help you build a foundation in mobility research by providing you with a critical understanding of alternative mobility narratives. You will learn to question assumptions about mobility and explore innovative approaches that address social, environmental, and economic challenges. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, a valuable tool for simulating and analyzing the impacts of mobility innovations.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners design and manage the physical environment of cities and towns. This course may be useful to you as it provides a deeper understanding of urban mobility. You will explore alternative mobility narratives that challenge the dominance of car-centric planning and consider innovative approaches for creating more sustainable and equitable cities. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you understand the interconnections between transportation, land use, and other urban systems.
Transportation Economist
Transportation Economists analyze the economic impacts of transportation systems. This course may be useful to you as it provides a broader understanding of mobility and transportation economics. You will explore alternative mobility narratives that challenge the dominant focus on economic efficiency and consider the social and environmental impacts of transportation. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you analyze the economic and financial implications of different mobility innovations.
Transportation Policy Analyst
Transportation Policy Analysts develop and evaluate transportation policies. This course may be beneficial as it provides a critical understanding of alternative mobility narratives. You will explore the limitations of the current transportation policy paradigm and identify emerging trends and innovations. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you simulate and analyze the impacts of different policy interventions on the transportation system.
Mobility Advocate
Mobility Advocates promote sustainable and equitable transportation policies. This course may be helpful to you as it provides a comprehensive understanding of alternative mobility narratives. You will explore different perspectives on mobility and learn to articulate the benefits of sustainable transportation solutions. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you understand the complex interactions within transportation systems and advocate for policies that promote positive change.
City Planner
City Planners design and manage the physical environment of cities and towns. This course may be useful to you as it provides a deeper understanding of urban mobility. You will explore alternative mobility narratives that challenge the dominance of car-centric planning and consider innovative approaches for creating more sustainable and equitable cities. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you simulate and analyze the impacts of different planning interventions on the urban environment.
Transportation Consultant
Transportation Consultants advise clients on transportation-related issues. This course may be useful to you as it provides a comprehensive understanding of alternative mobility narratives. You will explore different perspectives on mobility and learn to evaluate the pros and cons of different transportation solutions. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you understand the complex interactions within transportation systems and provide informed advice to clients.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations reduce their environmental impact. This course may be useful to you as it provides a broader understanding of sustainable mobility. You will explore alternative mobility narratives that challenge the dominant focus on economic efficiency and consider the social and environmental impacts of transportation. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you analyze the sustainability implications of different mobility innovations.
Transportation Project Manager
Transportation Project Managers plan, manage, and execute transportation projects. This course may be useful to you as it provides a comprehensive understanding of alternative mobility narratives. You will explore different perspectives on mobility and learn to manage projects that promote sustainable and equitable transportation solutions. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you understand the complex interactions within transportation systems and manage projects effectively.
Public Transit Manager
Public Transit Managers oversee the operation of public transportation systems. This course may be useful to you as it provides a critical understanding of alternative mobility narratives. You will explore the limitations of the current public transit paradigm and consider innovative approaches that prioritize accessibility, equity, and sustainability. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you understand the complex interactions within public transit systems and manage them effectively.
Logistics Manager
Logistics Managers plan and coordinate the movement of goods and materials. This course may be useful to you as it provides a broader understanding of mobility and logistics. You will explore alternative mobility narratives that challenge the dominant focus on efficiency and consider the social and environmental impacts of logistics operations. The course also covers systems dynamics modeling, which helps you analyze the sustainability implications of different mobility innovations.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Alternative Mobility Narratives.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on transport and mobility. It would be particularly useful for students who want to learn more about the cutting-edge research being conducted in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between transportation and urban livability. It would be particularly useful for students who want to learn more about how transportation can be used to create more livable and sustainable cities.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and applications of urban transportation networks. It would be particularly useful for students who want to learn more about the mathematical and computational models used to analyze and design transportation networks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of transportation engineering. It would be particularly useful for students who want to learn more about the design, construction, and operation of transportation systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of traffic and highway engineering. It would be particularly useful for students who want to learn more about the design, construction, and operation of highways and other traffic facilities.
"Logistics and Supply Chain Management" provides a comprehensive overview of the field of logistics and supply chain management.

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