Urban Studies Major

General

Students will:

• demonstrate a critical understanding of the histories, theories and methodologies related to the production of urban space
• demonstrate a grasp of the political, economic, social and cultural forces that shape the urban experience locally and globally
• demonstrate and express the importance of urban representations in the arts, literature and media, both locally and globally
• acquire basic skills related to practices of city planning and urban public affairs
• demonstrate a critical and interdisciplinary understanding of San Francisco’s urbanism

Apart from required reading material, students will produce written and oral assignments as specified in the syllabi of each of the classes which will rigorously assess the students’ fulfillment of this outcome.

Specific

• By the end of this program, students will experience and understand the complexity of urban issues internationally, both in the developing and developed world. Students will be encouraged to enroll in study abroad programs with an urban studies focus. (If they are not able to travel abroad they can continue to take courses at USF.)
• By the end of this program, students will take a capstone seminar on specific topics where they will demonstrate the ability to synthesize knowledge from the four core areas, and whose reading material and written work are designed to prepare students to research.

Practical

• Fulfill a practicum requirement in which students engage directly with an urban aspect of the Bay Area that includes but is not exclusive to the history of the area, contested urban issues, the ideology underpinning design, urbanism and landscaping initiatives, the sociology and politics of city planning and urban design.

Overview

• Intro to Urban Studies
• 1 course from each of the four Program Areas
• 4 electives from any of the Urban Studies course offerings
• 1 Capstone seminar
• 1 Internship

Required - 4 Units

• URBS 100 - Introduction to Urban Studies

Program Areas