A Bold Experiment in Urban Renewal and Sustainability
2007 Exploration Seminar in Colombia

Program Director: Andrew Gordon
Dates of Instruction: August 20 - September 14, 2007

Despite continuing economic and political challenges, the people and leaders of Bogota are transforming their city of 7,000,000 into a model of urban sustainability.  The guiding principles of this transformation are equal rights for all citizens to transport, education and public spaces.  The Bogota approach holds lessons in social justice and environmental management for cities in both developed and developing countries.

Bogota has received international honors for a transportation system (Transmilenio) that discourages the use of automobiles, a network of magnificent libraries (Biblored) that attracts and serves all its citizens, and an approach to urban and environmental planning that has transformed the way Colombians and the world think not only about their capital but also about the potential of cities everywhere. The integrated way in which the leadership of the city has involved its citizens in addressing these issues, and their strategies for solving problems going forward provide lessons of enormous value to students and practitioners in many disciplines.

Students in this seminar will work on guided research projects that emphasize topics of their choosing in the areas of transportation, libraries and learning, ecosystems, environmental quality, and the built environment. With privileged access to the locations around the city where all of this is happening, and to the people who have designed and who carry out this work, we will explore what is special about the Bogota approach, and lessons that are of value to the rest of the world.

Be prepared to see wonderful sites, to feast on some of the world’s best food, and to meet people whose enthusiasm and commitment to improving the world for all will teach and inspire you.

We will begin with some days of orientation in Seattle, and continue with 18 days in Bogota where through a series of seminars, field trips, and opportunities to spend time with people in the communities of Bogota (rich and poor) where this work is happening.

Students will earn 5 credits of ENVIR 496 – Study Abroad: Advanced Environmental Studies. Students will be evaluated on the basis on course participation, an oral presentation, and a written paper. Joint projects, and projects that span disciplines (e.g., policy, biology, education, and library science) are specifically encouraged. The skills developed and honed in this intensive course will be of value to students from many disciplines.

Student costs:  
$2,800 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: Return travel to Bogota, meals, health insurance, visa, course materials, and personal expenses.

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