SOC 3485 - Cities and Communities

This course explores how social forces shape cities and urban life; how diversity by race/ethnicity, class, and gender creates and "urban mosaic" in American cities; how local, national, and global institutions and interests reinforce race/ethnic, class, and gender inequality in the city and how groups sometimes resist such forces; how different urban environments (e.g., particular types of neighborhoods) influence the lives and life chances of their residents. Topics covered: emergence of cities historically; U.S. cities from colonial to postmodern; social diversity in cities; socio-spatial patterns of urban change; urban power and politics; gentrification: redevelopment vs. displacement; residential segregation; immigrants and cities; race/ethnic communities; globalization and urbanization.