Urban Studies Core Curriculum

• USP 513/613 Urban Economic and Spatial Structure (3)
• USP 514/614 History and Theory of Urban Studies (3)
• USP 517/617 Sociology and Politics of Urban Life (3)
• USP 530 Research Design (4)
• USP 534 Data Analysis (4)
• USP 583/683 Qualitative Analysis (4)
• USP 597/697 Urban Studies Seminar (4)

The first three courses listed introduce the student to the basic ideas, concepts, and theories about urban development and urban life. This helps students position their own interests within the larger field of urban studies. The following three courses introduce the student to the range of methods appropriate to the field and serve as a starting point from which the M.U.S. and Ph.D. student is expected to take advanced courses in quantitative and qualitative methods. The Urban Studies Seminar, taken in the beginning of the second year, engages the student in hands-on social science research, producing a research design proposal appropriate for the student's interests and degree.

USP 513/613 Urban Economic and Spatial Structure (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the economic and spatial aspects relevant to the field of urban studies. The course provides and overview of existing theories and empirical evidence relating to urban spatial and economic relationships. Examines the impact of federal, state, and local government policies, and changing economic conditions on these relationships.

USP 514/614 History and Theory of Urban Studies (3)

Leading thinkers and milestones in the analysis of urban development and urban life. Complementary theories and models of social sciences. Postmodern approaches. Visionary and critical responses to the possibilities of metropolitan life.

USP 517/617 Sociology and Politics of Urban Life (3)

A survey of important theories and empirical research about the social structure and political dynamics of urban areas. The impacts of globalization on urban social and political life, the changing nature of community and social relations within cities and suburbs, and evolving patterns of intergovernmental cooperation and conflict within metropolitan regions will be analyzed.

USP 530 Research Design (4)

Principles of research design, including philosophical bases of scientific research, problem identification, problem statement, development of research questions, development of research of hypotheses, and the relationship of research hypotheses to modes of data gathering and analysis. The laboratory section (USP 530L) must be taken concurrently.

USP 534 Data Analysis (4)

Application of multivariate statistical analysis in an urban context. Emphasis on applications of various techniques within the general linear model. Recommended prerequisite: USP 532, The laboratory (USP 534L) must be taken concurrently. Recommended prerequisite: USP 430.

USP 583 Qualitative Analysis (3)

Study of a variety of qualitative methods of analyzing social science problems, with an emphasis on applications to urban studies. Students study the philosophy of academic inquiry, understanding and interpretation of social action. Specific techniques include content analysis, participant observation, field observation, ethnography , interviewing and focus groups, among others. Organization, coding and analysis of qualitative data. Recommended prerequisite: USP 530/630

USP 597/697 Urban Studies Seminar (4)

Research seminar required for second-year students in the urban studies Ph.D. and M.U.S. programs. Students apply their substantive background and methodological training to develop all the components of a social science research paper: statement of focused research question, literature review, development of hypotheses, definition of appropriate methodology, design of data acquisition, and pilot testing of data acquisition strategy. Prerequisites: USP 530, USP 513/613, USP 514/614, USP 517/617