Urban studies in the desert? Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, israel
Written by Oren Yiftachel, Nurit Alfasi, September 2020
Urban studies in the desert? Yes! The Geography Department at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has developed one of the premier urban studies/planning programs in Israel.
Placed in the regional capital of Beersheba (metro population 700,000), a BA program was launched in Year 2000, followed shortly by an MA in planning. Both programs have quickly become highly sought-after, drawing enrolment from all regions and societal groups. https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/humsos/geog/Pages/default.aspx
At present 8 full time and some 15 part time Faculty members teach at the program. For the current academic year, some 140 students are enrolled for BA, and further 60 for MA, as well as around 30 PhD's. The program works in coordination and assistance of the Negev Sustainability Center, as well as the BGUrban Lab, and the Chair of Urban Studies, as well as a host of city councils, governmental departments and NGO's.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/humsos/negevSus/Pages/default.aspx
The BGU programs have acquired a 'red-green reputation', emphasizing social and environmental aspects of urban policies, for long under treated by state authorities and private offices. Israel and the Beersheba region are of course renowned living laboratories for urban and spatial issues, with fast growing population, rapid development, a plethora of ethnic and social conflicts, and recently one of the worst centers of the Covid19 pandemic. Students encounter all these issues while in our diverse program.
Urban studies in the desert? Seems like a good idea
