Students who successfully complete the Urban Studies major should…
Know – Understand…
- The general history of urbanization and its associated economic and demographic processes
- The structures and expressions of urbanization and urban life associated with modern and postmodern cities
- The structures and expressions of urbanization and urban life associated with cities of the developed realms/core and those associated with cities of the less developed realm/periphery
- The basic research questions and agendas associated with the various disciplines contributing to our understanding of urban issues.
- The general expressions of urbanization and urban life associated with contemporary Los Angeles
- The common theories, practices, and methodologies employed in contemporary urban planning and policy analysis
Do - Be able to…
- Effectively employ contemporary social science methodology in the analysis of urban issues
- Demonstrate written and oral competencies in the analysis of urban issues and policy
- Identify and utilize appropriate primary data, including census materials, for the analysis of urban issues
- Apply their understanding of urban issues to the development and critical analysis of programs and policies appropriate to addressing contemporary social and economic problems
- Successfully pursue graduate education in such areas as urban planning, public administration, policy analysis, social welfare, and the law upon completion of their major
Value…
- Diverse perspectives in the analysis and assessment of urban issues and policies
- Thoughtful analysis of the implications of urbanization and urban policy in the context of social justice and sound environmental practices
- Rigorous, scientific research that enlightens the experience of urban populations and contributes to the resolution of the social and environmental problems associated with urbanization
- Community-based participation in the development of programs and policies that contribute to the social, economic, political, and environmental improvement of their communities and cities