Cities are the centers of power and prestige - economic, political and social.
They are, and have always been, where the action is in terms of innovations and control. The wide range of urban interests and theoretical approaches will be considered in this course. Why urban areas have grown and work, and how they are viewed by the residents and those who do not reside in the cities will be discussed. The American cities will be used as an example of urban growth and development that is primarily driven by the market forces of the capitalist environment. Class attendance and active participation in class are necessary for a high class participation score.