Urban Studies Courses
URBS 110: Introduction to Urban Studies
Urban Studies allows students to examine the development and impact of urbanization in the great metropolitan regions (comprising larger inner cities and suburban communities) in which a majority of the world's population now lives. This interdisciplinary course focuses on the economic, political, environmental and cultural dimensions of the urban experience, with guest lectures by a variety of college experts. A core professor will coordinate these visits, encouraging students to see how all elements interrelate to both limit and expand what is possible in metropolitan regions. Field trips to both urban and suburban locations will allow students to understand the range of issues confronting these population centers. Students will be challenged to think about how compromise and negotiation are crucial parts of urban planning and to ask how decisions that affect the urban and suburban community ultimately are made. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)
URBS 120: US Cities
This course is an introduction to the political, economic, and social forces that have shaped US cities in the last 200 years, with a focus on the city of Chicago. We explore the growth of urban economies, migration and immigration into cities, racial/ethnic segregation and displacement, and struggles over power and resources. Students are introduced to multiple disciplinary approaches to understanding US cities, and visit relevant sites in Chicago. This course is the core course for the Urban Studies minor program. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Humanities and Domestic Pluralism requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Humanities requirement.)
cross listed: HIST 235, AMER 263, ES 263