Applying Social Theory to Understand the Modern City

Are you interested in the complex dynamics that shape how people live, work, and interact within urban environments? Social theory provides the essential intellectual lens for understanding the forces behind city development and urban challenges. By the end of this course, you will have a strong theoretical foundation to critically evaluate urban policies, analyze spatial inequality, and contribute to more equitable and sustainable planning initiatives. What you'll learn: * Understand the foundational concepts of classical sociological theory (e.g., Simmel, Weber, Marx) and their specific relevance to urban life and form. * Analyze contemporary urban phenomena like gentrification, segregation, and globalization using advanced theoretical frameworks. * Apply critical theories to evaluate the social impacts of modern urban policies, including housing, transportation, and public space design. * Examine the role of power, governance, and technology in shaping the "smart city" and addressing issues of urban data ethics. * Practice using theoretical models to structure arguments and conduct initial critical assessments of real-world planning case studies. The course begins by defining core terminology and tracing the historical development of urban sociology and planning thought. We then move into applying critical frameworks to analyze modern urban problems and explore current debates around equity and sustainable development. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior experience in social theory or urban studies. Start building your critical toolkit for understanding the city today.