What is Urban Studies?

We define Urban Studies broadly as the study of causes of urbanization and its effects on people and both the natural and built environments. Urban Studies is by nature interdisciplinary and, therefore, encourages study of urban issues and problems from a variety of angles and methodological perspectives to focus on the social, cultural, economic, environmental, political, policy & planning, and/or design dimensions of urban life.

Urban Studies is an area in which Wesleyan students can have both curricular and professional interests. Several University Major proposals in the last few years have been in the area of Urban Studies, and a number of Wesleyan students go on to graduate school and/or careers in areas such as Architecture, Geography, Public Policy, Urban Policy, and Urban Planning.

The courses listed in the urban studies course cluster include courses in which urban issues are a main focus as well as courses in which, often by virtue of their topic coverage, issues related to urbanization trends cannot be overlooked but may not be the central focus of the course. In those cases, however, the instructors have indicated that term papers on urban studies-related topics (in the particular context of the course) would be suitable. Students interested in Urban Studies who enroll in such courses are encouraged to discuss their interests and goals for the course with the instructor early in the semester.

If you have questions regarding this course cluster, please contact one of the cluster’s administrators, Professor Joe Siry (jsiry@wesleyan.edu) or Professor Daniella Gandolfo (dgandolfo@wesleyan.edu).