Urban Studies

Applicable for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Advisors: Corina McKendry, Cayce Hughes

The urban studies minor is the study of issues affecting cities across the world. Students will examine both the history of urbanization as a radical transformation in societies and individuals’ lives and contemporary challenges facing urban areas.

Minor Requirements

The urban studies minor requires a minimum of 5 units. Students have two options for completing the minor.

Option 1: Students must complete at least one unit from each of the two categories offered below. For their other two units they may take additional courses from each category OR propose additional courses to count towards the minor, to be approved by the minor advisor. Students are particularly encouraged to look for relevant topics courses.

Category one: Historical (at least 1 unit; additional courses may be taken from the following list or students may propose other courses w/the consent of the minor advisors)

  • AH 111 – History of Architecture
  • HY/CL 216 – Roman History 1
  • HY226/CL 227 – Roman History 2
  • HY 261 – Formation of Islamic Societies
  • CL 222/AH 200/HY 200/CO 220 - Rome, Naples, Sicily: Crossroads of the Ancient Mediterranean (block abroad)

Category two: Contemporary (at least 1 unit; additional courses may be taken from the following list or students may propose other courses w/the consent of the minor advisors)

  • SO 101 – Inequality in the U.S. 
  • SO 130 – Environmental Sociology
  • EV/PS 272 – Cities, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice
  • PS 316 – State and Local Government
  • EC 335 – Environmental Economics
  • ED 255 – Teaching and Learning in Urban Schools

Option 2: Complete an approved study abroad program that focuses on cities and urban life for 4 units of credit. Programs should be chosen with consultation of the advisor.

For their fifth unit, students following either option must complete the Integrative Experience (GS330 – Urban Investigations) under the direction of the advisor.

Report an issue - Last updated: 07/11/2023