Urban Sociology (SOC 341)

Course Overview

Today’s urban form is the result of a long progression of demographic, economic, and ecological processes.  This course examines underlying factors have allowed urban forms to become the dominant form of human settlement over the last ten thousand years.  The course begins with a discussion of the evolution of human settlements overtime.  Next, the evolution of cities in America is examined, specifically focusing on the causal factors that have created the city forms we see today. This is followed by examination of theories and concepts that help us to understand the ways in which cities function, both historically and in modern time.  We then examine topics such as segregation, crowding, homelessness, diversity, and crime.  Several benefits of cities will also be examined, such as innovation and efficiency.  The class then examines how the urban experience has played out globally in places such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.  And finally we examine future directions in urban development, such as The New Urbanism, Smart Growth, and virtual communities.