Urban Studies (URBN)

An introduction to historic and contemporary cities, processes of urbanization, and urban society. Course topics include urban origins, urban economics, the internal structure of cities, urban infrastructure, urban social and cultural processes, urban physical and social environments, and city systems in the regional and global context. University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Understanding Human Behavior.

An introduction to geospatial and environmental research methods with an emphasis on the use of GIS as an essential methodology for the investigation and visualization of spatial data and multivariate environmental and urban issues. University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Sci, Tech, Math.

An introduction of the social, economic, political, environmental, and spatial characteristics and dynamics of metropolitan Los Angeles in the context of postmodern urbanization in the United States.

An introduction to the problems, principles, and practices of contemporary urban planning, especially in California and the United States.

An examination of the challenges of and potential solutions to the sustainability of socioeconomic, environmental, and ecological systems associated with historic, contemporary, and future urbanization. Course topics include an analysis of the sustainability of historic and contemporary cities, the consideration of sustainable alternatives associated with such trends as New Urbanism, and the potential for alternative urban policies and practices designed to foster sustainability.

An exploration of the meanings and methodologies of community development, especially in contemporary urban America.

Directed research in selected urban issues using GIS as a research tool and presentation method. Pre-requisite: URBN 1010 or equivalent.

Understanding theory, research, and practice related to "purpose," in this case the promotion of social justice and sustainability, and to "place," in the context of a community-based organization. Students will work for a minimum of 20 hours in a selected community organization. University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice.

A supervised internship and directed research on a specific urban topic incorporating appropriate primary and secondary research methodologies and/or participant observation. Senior standing or permission of the Program Director required. University Core fulfilled: Flags: Engaged Learning.