Urban Theory and Practice

Course Overview

This course explores the evolution of urban theory from classical thinkers to contemporary debates about cities in the 21st century. We examine how theoretical frameworks help us understand real-world urban challenges and opportunities.

What You'll Learn

• Key urban theories from Chicago School to Smart Cities
• How to apply theory to analyze contemporary urban issues
• Critical perspectives on urbanization, inequality, and sustainability
• Frameworks for understanding global urban development

Weekly Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Urban Theory

• What is urban theory and why does it matter?
• Overview of major theoretical traditions
• Reading cities: theory and practice

Week 2: Classical Urban Theory

• Chicago School: Park, Burgess, and urban ecology
• Simmel and the metropolis
• Urban modernity and social change

Week 3: Political Economy of Cities

• Henri Lefebvre and the right to the city
• David Harvey and urban capitalism
• Urban space and social justice

Week 4: Global Cities and Urbanization

• Saskia Sassen: The Global City
• World cities and urban hierarchies
• Urbanization in the Global South

Week 5: Urban Governance and Planning

• Planning theory and practice
• Neoliberal urbanism
• Participatory planning and community engagement

Week 6: Gentrification and Displacement

• Theories of gentrification
• Displacement and housing justice
• Resisting gentrification: case studies

Week 7: Urban Sustainability

• Ecological urbanism
• Smart cities and technology
• Climate adaptation and resilient cities

Week 8: Social Life of Cities

• Jane Jacobs and urban vitality
• Public space and urban culture
• Everyday urbanism and lived experience

Week 9: Urban Futures

• Planetary urbanization
• Speculative urbanism
• Alternative urban imaginaries

Week 10: Synthesis and Application

• Final project presentations
• Theory to practice: your urban research
• Future directions in urban studies

Course Format

• Weekly video lectures (60-90 minutes total per week)
• Required readings (2-3 articles/chapters per week)
• Discussion forums for peer interaction
• Applied assignments connecting theory to real cities

Assessment

• Weekly reflections (30%): Short responses to readings
• Case study analysis (30%): Apply theory to a specific city
• Final project (40%): Research paper or creative project

Who Should Take This Course

• Students interested in urban studies, geography, sociology, or planning
• Urban professionals seeking theoretical foundations
• Anyone curious about how cities work and how to understand them
• Activists and community organizers working on urban issues

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Ready to explore urban theory? Contact me about course availability and registration.