Urban Studies, B.A.

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, social service organizations and others seeking to remedy the problems of contemporary cities.

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

Students who successfully compete the Urban Studies major should: 

• Know-Understand:
  • 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;
• 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;
• 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

¹

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

²

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

Note:

An appropriate upper division course not listed for one of the area electives may be counted for the major with approval of the Department Chair.

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.