SOC236

What constitutes the urban? And how is it distinct from other forms of physical and social organization? This course introduces students to major themes in urban sociology. Students explore how the city operates as a site of conflict, not only in its conceptualization, but also as a site of struggle over social, physical, economic, and political resources. Topics include the contest over the emergence of the discipline through the Park/Dubois debate, empirical studies on "urban problems," industrialization, urban renewal, suburbanization, gentrification, racism, globalization, segregation, ghettos, schooling, policing, prisons, immigration, and urban farming.