Vulnerability Studies in Informal Settlements

Description [what is the course about, aims, etc.]

The course came as a module in the existing subject called “Theory of Environmental Planning and Design” in M.Planning (with specialisation in Environmental Planning) degree course. The subject is predominantly dealing with the understanding of environmental problems and theories to assess and analyse the same. While understanding of environmental problems is well established in theory there is a wide scope of 'new findings' and 'learnings infused with hands-in-training', when it comes to understanding urban environmental problems of the South, particularly in the informal settlements. The module will intend in infusing the comprehension of the needs and requirements of informal settlements and ways to understand the same in terms of vulnerability assessment of the slum dwellers. The intended content of the module would essentially cover the theoretical and analytical frameworks that assess the existing set of entitlements and vulnerability of communities staying in informal settlements. It shall also delve into the quantitative and qualitative methods of assessing and surveying such communities in the context of their social, physical, financial and human capitals. Finally the students shall have a better understanding of assessing, appraising and measuring vulnerability.

The teaching method includes theoretical lectures juxtaposed with live site visits and primary survey of informal settlements aimed at understanding deprivation, resilience and vulnerability levels. Students shall analyse the case areas after the site visits to arrive at understanding of how vulnerability is linked to provision of social and civic infrastructure in urban informal settlements.

The expected outcome shall be a framework of assessment which leads to strategic interventions of civic and social infrastructure provisions that aim at reducing the vulnerability of slum settlements. At an intrinsic level, the expected outcome would be a paradigm shift in the understanding of social amenities and their provision in the field of settlement planning.

The course was successfully conducted between Jan 15 and Mar 31, 2019 with a batch of 18 students at the level  of Masters of Planning (Environmental Planning & Management)

Learning Outcomes

After completion of this course:

  • Students will be able to have a different paradigm of understanding of 'Brown Agenda environmental problems' in slums and the way to assess them. This paradigm would entail them to first identify the core determinants of vulnerability from the ground conditions. Site visits, talking and listening to the slum dwellers about their challenges is an essential process to derive the determinants of vulnerability analysis.
  • Students would be able to design survey formats and questionnaires that can quantify and measure the determinants of vulnerability.
  • Students would understand spatial mapping and codifying techniques to document and measure the determinants of vulnerability and evolve scores and statistical relevance for the information gathered from interviews and site visits. 
  • Students would be able to compute aggregate slum condition index, which can point towards the strategic interventions required to reduce vulnerability and improve Brown Agenda environmental problems.

Student Workload 

On average, a student is expected to spend a total of about 24 hours (1 ECTS)  for this module spread over 6 weeks summing up all class time, reading time and time for assignments.

There are 15 hours of lectures and demonstrations (about 4 hrs per week for 4 weeks) and 9 hours of analysis including site visits (about 4.5 hours per week for 2 weeks).

The course was successfully conducted between Jan 15 and Mar 31, 2019 with a batch of 18 students at the level  of Masters of Planning (Environmental Planning & Management)

Course Structure

Contained 4 sub-modules as described separately. These sub-modules are termed as - a) Characterisation Module; (b) Prioritisation Module; (c) Assimilation Module; and d) Synthesis Module

Prerequisites [requirements for participation]

Enrolled Graduate (Masters) Students of SPA Vijayawada

Assignments 

There were 2 assignments related to the 4 sub-modules as described separately. Students were formed into 3 groups and they visited three slums and analysed them in terms of vulnerability conditions. Assignments were linked to identification of determinants through interviews, coding them after site visit and doing GIS based and statistical analysis.

The course was successfully conducted between Jan 15 and Mar 31, 2019 with a batch of 18 students at the level  of Masters of Planning (Environmental Planning & Management)

Grading 

Students were graded for making a presentation of the three slums they visited and analysed. Presentations were based on posters developed by the students. The course was successfully conducted between Jan 15 and Mar 31, 2019 with a batch of 18 students at the level  of Masters of Planning (Environmental Planning & Management)

Last modified: Thursday, 13 June 2019, 3:36 PM