Academic Catalog

US - Urban Studies

US 2000 Introduction to Urban Studies Cr. 4

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Diversity Equity Incl Inquiry, Social Inquiry, Social Sciences

In this introductory urban studies course, students learn about the historic and contemporary forces driving urbanization with an emphasis on US cities and urban areas; the effects of these forces on diverse population groups; and challenges facing cities and strategies to resolve them. Although the course will draw from international contexts, wherever possible, experiences of and from the Detroit metro—city and suburbs—will be used to illustrate particular themes. Student learning centers on an examination of issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and broader social phenomena. Offered Every Term.

Equivalent: GPH 2000, HIS 2000, PS 2000, SOC 2500

US 2200 Global Urbanism Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Global Learning Inquiry

The Global Urbanism course draws on directed readings, film and cases studies to illustrate the complexity of urbanity and urbanization in the developing and developed worlds – first through a comparative historical exploration of global urbanization and development, and then through a practical lens that seeks out solutions to broadly experienced problems. The class will use aspects of social science, history and urban planning as a framework for developing both inter-cultural perspectives on global urban development and also nuanced lessons for addressing similar challenges in different places. Offered Yearly.

US 2350 Black Detroit Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Diversity Equity Incl Inquiry

Explores the historical, cultural and structural aspects of the Black urban experience in Detroit from the late 19th Century to the present, including the role that racism, urbanization and suburbanization have played in shaping racial, spatial and economic inequality in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Utilizes an interdisciplinary approach: to interrogate the social and cultural history of Black Detroit, to examine the various forms of Black social movement activism used by Black Detroiters in the 20th Century, and to analyze ways the shifting economic and political currents shaped, and reshaped racism, class, space, and resistance in the Detroit metropolitan area. Offered Fall, Winter.

Equivalent: AFS 2350, HIS 2350

US 3530 Urban and Regional Planning Cr. 3

Introduction to urban and regional planning concepts, including zoning, growth management and economic development. Emphasis on metropolitan Detroit. Offered Yearly.

Prerequisites: US 2000 with a minimum grade of D-

Equivalent: UP 3530

US 3550 Public Health and the City Cr. 3

Introduces the field of medical geography, or the study of geographic aspects of health and disease. Students will also be introduced to the impact that city life has on health and healthcare in the US and internationally. They will gain an understanding of how geography as a discipline contributes to an understanding of health and health care in urban environments, and how social and economic contexts impact urban health. Mapping techniques will be utilized to examine the spatial patterns of disease and risk factors that may contribute to disease. Offered Yearly.

Equivalent: PH 3550

US 3650 History of Detroit Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Diversity Equity Incl Inquiry

History of Detroit from European contact to the present, with emphasis on the late-19th and 20th centuries. Offered Fall, Winter.

Equivalent: HIS 3650

US 3900 Topics in Urban Studies and Geography Cr. 1-4

Special topics focused on Urban Studies and Geography. Offered Every Term.

Equivalent: GPH 3900

Repeatable for 8 Credits

US 4000 Internship Cr. 1-4

Placement in government agencies or the non-governmental sector that provide working experience related to urban issues. Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.

Repeatable for 4 Credits

US 4510 Cities and Regions Cr. 3

Processes of urbanization and metropolitanization in both the western and non-western worlds. Offered Winter.

Prerequisites: US 2000 with a minimum grade of D-, GPH 2000 with a minimum grade of D-, HIS 2000 with a minimum grade of D-, PS 2000 with a minimum grade of D-, or SOC 2000 with a minimum grade of D-

US 4620 Urban Studies Senior Capstone Research Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Writing Intensive Competency

Development and application of research design to specified urban problems. Offered Yearly.

Prerequisites: US 4420 with a minimum grade of D-, GPH 6420 with a minimum grade of D-, CRJ 4860 with a minimum grade of D-, SOC 4200 with a minimum grade of D-, or PS 3600 with a minimum grade of D-

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.

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