This course examines the global evolution and contemporary challenges of mobility systems, focusing on car dependency and sustainable mobility transitions in an international context. It analyses the environmental, social and economic impacts of mobility systems worldwide and explores diverse approaches to transformation using case studies from different countries and regions. The course discusses how global political economy structures, cultural mobility norms, and governance institutions shape transport outcomes in different world regions. Through collaborative and intercultural group work, simulations and policy design, students evaluate global examples of mobility transition and reflect on the transferability and contextual adaptation of policies across countries and cultural settings.

• Explain why car-centric mobility systems emerged and persist in different international contexts.

• Analyse global variations in mobility systems and compare international case studies of sustainable transport transitions.

• Understand how political-economic structures, cultural norms and governance systems shape mobility behaviour and spatial development worldwide.

• Evaluate transport policy strategies and identify challenges in transferring solutions across regions.

• Work effectively in intercultural teams and communicate constructively across cultural and ideological differences.

• Apply discursive and negotiation skills in multi-stakeholder settings related to mobility conflicts.

• Reflect critically on mobility experiences, assumptions and values, and engage respectfully with diverse perspectives.

• Recognize global interdependencies related to climate justice, accessibility and social equity in transport transformations.

Students must attend at least 7 of the 8 sessions, including mandatory presence during the first and final unit. Absences should be communicated in advance.

The course follows an interactive, international and project-based learning approach. It combines lecture inputs with:

• Discussions

• Global/regional case-study workshops

• Individual assignments

• Intercultural group works/assignments and peer-learning

• Simulating stakeholder negotiation (including global actor perspectives)

• Reflection on positionality and cultural and spatial dimensions of mobility systems

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