Searching for the Grand Paris from Coursera

What is the reasoning for the Grand Paris? What does the transformation of the relationship between Paris and its suburbs imply? “Searching for the Grand Paris” is an original MOOC featuring accounts from residents, association representatives, experts, and researchers. It also contains archival footage and documents, as well as a comparative analysis of Brussels, London, and other French cities. The MOOC combines historical and comparative approaches with a discussion of controversial topics. It also reflects upon the notion of scale and questions what is at stake in the implementation of the Grand Paris. It discusses the evolution of Paris and its region, as well as issues such as ethnic and social segregation, economic growth, safety, the environment, housing, transportation, city construction, education, and culture. “Searching for the Grand Paris” is not exclusively directed towards universities. It is free and for the general public. This dynamic, even lively, MOOC was made in collaboration with students from the University of Science Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies), along with many other contributors.

TEACHER : Patrick Le Galès (politist and sociologist)

PREREQUISITE

There is no required prerequisite for this course.

PLAN DU COURS

Session 1: Metropolization and Economic Growth

Session 2: Population and Migration

Session 3: Housing and Construction

Session 4: Transportation and Mobility

Session 5: Law enforcement and Environment

Session 6: Culture and Education

EVALUATION

This MOOC offers a final MCQ.

PEDAGOGICAL TEAM

Héloïse Thibault, Valentine Quinio, Judith Lienhard, Ninon Beillard, Juliette Guichardet, Odile Gaultier-Voituriez, Miyuki Tsuchiya, Maxime Crépel, Pôle Audiovisuel Sciences Po

PARTNERS

Mairie de Paris | Ecole urbaine de SciencesPo Paris | Grand Public

What's inside

Syllabus

Session 1: Metropolization and Economic Growth

Session 2: Population and Migration

Session 3: Housing and Construction

Session 4: Transportation and Mobility

Session 5: Law enforcement and Environment

Session 6: Culture and Education

EVALUATION

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the transformation of the relationship between Paris and its suburbs, which is highly relevant to urban planning and development

Features accounts from residents, association representatives, experts, and researchers, providing diverse perspectives on the topic

Includes archival footage and documents, as well as a comparative analysis of Brussels, London, and other French cities, providing a comprehensive view of the subject matter

Combines historical and comparative approaches with a discussion of controversial topics, offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved

Taught by Patrick Le Galès, a renowned politist and sociologist, providing insights from an expert in the field

Reviews summary

Engaging look at grand paris

Learners say this engaging course on exploring the Grand Paris is worth the time, though there are some caveats to keep in mind. Students describe the content as great and the videos in particular are well received. There are complaints, however, about the infrequency of quizzes. Also, some students would prefer to read in their native language and not have to deal with subtitles

Engaging course material.

"Excellent!"

"Excelent course."

"The course itself is great!"

Informative videos.

"The videos with the opinion of local citizens are redundant in many case, the teaser in the beginning of each week show almost half of what would be shown within thematical blocks."

Course is worth the time.

"good"

"Thank you Very much"

Quiz frequency.

"Also - super unusual - there is only one quiz, the final, but you can only make one attempt per month."

"It would be nice to have the option to extend the deadline for course completion."

Subtitles.

"But it's in French and I hate reading subtitles."

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 Searching for the Grand Paris with these activities:

Read and summarize 'The Great Transformation' by Karl Polanyi

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Gain insights into the foundational economic concepts explored in the course.

View The Great Transformation on Amazon

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Read the book
Write a summary of key ideas

Review past assignments and quizzes

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Review your past work to refresh core concepts and identify areas for improvement.

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Compile all assignments and quizzes
Practice solving similar problems
Identify areas of weakness

Connect with urban planning professionals or researchers

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Build your network and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Attend industry events and conferences
Reach out to potential mentors

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Explore online resources and tools for urban planning and analysis

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Expand your knowledge and skill set by discovering valuable resources and tools.

Browse courses on Online Resources

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Research and identify relevant resources
Create a list of curated tools and websites

Analyze case studies of urban development projects

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Develop critical thinking and analysis skills by examining real-world examples.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Identify relevant case studies
Extract key data and insights
Formulate your own analysis

Develop a presentation on a topic related to sustainable urban development

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Exercise your presentation and communication skills while delving deeper into course concepts.

Browse courses on Presentation Skills

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Choose a topic and conduct research
Create a clear and concise presentation
Practice your delivery
Present your findings to your peers

Write an essay comparing the urban development strategies of two major cities

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Strengthen your writing and analytical skills by comparing urban development approaches.

Browse courses on Essay Writing

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Choose two cities to compare
Research their development strategies
Identify similarities and differences
Write a comprehensive essay

Career center

Learners who complete Searching for the Grand Paris will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner develops plans and policies for the development and use of land in urban areas. This course may be helpful for an Urban Planner because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris and its suburbs, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for developing and implementing plans that promote the sustainable development of the region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Public Policy Analyst

A Public Policy Analyst studies policies and programs of government agencies to determine if they are effective and efficient. They may also work on developing new policies or programs. This course may be helpful for a Public Policy Analyst because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris and its suburbs, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for developing and implementing policies that address the needs of the region's residents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Transportation Planner

A Transportation Planner develops plans and policies for the transportation system in a city or region. This course may be helpful for a Transportation Planner because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' transportation system, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for developing and implementing plans that improve the transportation system and promote sustainable development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Environmental Planner

An Environmental Planner develops plans and policies to protect the environment and natural resources. This course may be helpful for an Environmental Planner because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' environmental policies, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for developing and implementing plans that protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Housing Planner

A Housing Planner develops plans and policies to provide affordable housing for people in a city or region. This course may be helpful for a Housing Planner because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' housing policies, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for developing and implementing plans that provide affordable housing and promote sustainable development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Housing Planner

Urban Designer

An Urban Designer designs and plans the physical environment of cities and towns. This course may be helpful for an Urban Designer because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for designing and planning urban environments that are sustainable and livable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Designer

Real Estate Developer

A Real Estate Developer acquires and develops land for residential, commercial, or industrial use. This course may be helpful for a Real Estate Developer because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' real estate market, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for making decisions about where and how to develop land.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

City Manager

A City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a city or town. This course may be helpful for a City Manager because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for making decisions that promote the welfare of the city's residents.

See salaries and explore the career path for City Manager

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager oversees the construction of buildings and other structures. This course may be helpful for a Construction Manager because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' construction industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for managing construction projects and ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Mayor

A Mayor is the elected head of a city or town. This course may be helpful for a Mayor because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for making decisions that promote the welfare of the city's residents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mayor

Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs and plans outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. This course may be helpful for a Landscape Architect because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' landscape architecture, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for designing and planning outdoor spaces that are sustainable and livable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Architect

An Architect designs and plans buildings and other structures. This course may be helpful for an Architect because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' architecture, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for designing and planning buildings and structures that are sustainable and livable.

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Public relations manager

A Public Relations Manager manages the public relations of an organization. This course may be helpful for a Public Relations Manager because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' public relations industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for developing and implementing public relations campaigns that promote the organization's image and reputation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable. This course may be helpful for a Sustainability Consultant because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' sustainability initiatives, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for helping organizations to develop and implement sustainability strategies.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and manages projects, such as the construction of a new building or the launch of a new product. This course may be helpful for a Project Manager because it can help them understand the history and development of Paris' project management industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This knowledge can be helpful for managing projects and ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager