Course examines the process of urbanization historically and comparatively.
For major world regions, attention is given to the political economy of urbanization and its impact on social and economic relations. The course concludes with an examination of the growing globalization of the world economy and its implications for urban life and the urban political economy of the future. Subject varies according to specialization of instructor. Course examines trends in the development of the American metropolis, including the impact of the information economy and technological developments on metropolitan form and life, continuing outward growth and increasing decentralization of metropolitan areas, changing functional organization of urban space, and continued social segregation in metropolitan areas. Students analyze contemporary predictions about the future of metropolitan life in America and explore how alternative public policies can shape that future.