Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Urban Studies, B.A.


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Objectives


As an interdisciplinary program, Urban Studies encourages students to examine urbanization and the multitude of issues inherent in urban life from the perspectives of a wide range of disciplines and methodological traditions. The critical analysis of urban issues helps students evaluate the various political, sociocultural, and economic strategies available to urban planners, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and others seeking to remedy the problems of contemporary cities.

The curriculum of the Urban Studies program, including its internship program, allows students to take advantage of one of LMU’s greatest assets: the many linkages that connect LMU to the extraordinarily dynamic, multicultural metropolitan area surrounding the University. Los Angeles is both an educational resource and a laboratory for Urban Studies students.

Career options for Urban Studies majors may be found in local government, law enforcement, real estate development, and urban social services. The major is also appropriate preparation for students seeking careers or graduate education in urban planning, public administration, social welfare, policy analysis, or the law.

Urban Studies Student Learning Outcomes


By virtue of their Urban Studies Program courses, students should know:

  • The general history of urbanization and its associated economic and demographic processes
  • The structures and expressions of urbanization and urban life associated with modern and postmodern cities
  • The structures and expressions of urbanization and urban life associated with cities of the developed realms/core and those associated with cities of the less developed realm/periphery
  • The basic research questions and agendas associated with the various disciplines contributing to our understanding of urban issues
  • The general expressions of urbanization and urban life associated with contemporary Los Angeles
  • The common theories, practices, and methodologies employed in contemporary urban planning and policy analysis;

By virtue of their Urban Studies Program courses, students should be able to:

  • Effectively employ contemporary social science methodology in the analysis of urban issues
  • Demonstrate written and oral competencies in the analysis of urban issues and policy
  • Identify and utilize appropriate primary data, including census materials, for the analysis of urban issues
  • Apply their understanding of urban issues to the development and critical analysis of programs and policies appropriate to addressing contemporary social and economic problems
  • Successfully pursue graduate education in such areas as urban planning, public administration, policy analysis, social welfare, and the law upon completion of their major;

By virtue of their Urban Studies Program courses, students should value:

  • Diverse perspectives in the analysis and assessment of urban issues and policies
  • Thoughtful analysis of the implications of urbanization and urban policy in the context of social justice and sound environmental practices
  • Rigorous, scientific research that enlightens the experience of urban populations and contributes to the resolution of the social and environmental problems associated with urbanization
  • Community-based participation in the development of programs and policies that contribute to the social, economic, political, and environmental improvement of their communities and cities.

Major Requirements


Lower Division Requirements:


16 semester hours:

Note:


A grade of C (2.0) will be required in all lower division major courses.

Upper Division Requirements:


24 semester hours in upper division courses, including:

8 semester hours in one or more of the following areas:


2. Urban Politics, Public Administration, and Policy Analysis:

3. Urban Culture:

Note:


An average grade of C (2.0) must be obtained in the upper division courses included in the major.

Urban Studies Model Four-Year Plan


The normal course load is 16 semester hours (4 classes). By following the model below, a student will complete all lower division core requirements by the end of the sophomore year as well as most major prerequisites. Note that core areas are suggested to provide a distribution of various disciplines every semester. Please be flexible implementing these suggestions, given your own interests and course availability. In four years, this plan meets all common graduation requirements.

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 14-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • 4 semester hours
  • URBN Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 14-16 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


  • URBN Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • 4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 13-16 semester hours

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