Urban Sociology and Critical Theory in Planning

How do political ideologies and social inequalities shape the physical layout of our cities? Understanding urban space requires looking beyond concrete and steel to examine the power dynamics, economic forces, and social theories that drive urban planning decisions. This text-only course provides a foundational introduction to urban sociology and critical theory. You will learn to identify the ideological undercurrents in housing policies, zoning laws, and public space design, equipping you with the analytical tools to evaluate and critique modern urban environments. What you'll learn: - Understand foundational theories of urban sociology and spatial development. - Analyze how political and economic ideologies influence urban planning policies. - Evaluate the social impact of gentrification, segregation, and urban renewal. - Explore modern concepts of environmental justice and equitable resource distribution in city planning. - Critique contemporary urban development projects using established sociological frameworks. - Practice applying critical thinking to real-world urban planning case studies through written exercises. You will start with key definitions and core sociological concepts before moving on to analyze historical and modern planning paradigms. Through written explanations, structured readings, and analytical exercises, you will develop a critical lens for viewing the built environment. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring urban planners, sociology students, and community advocates with no prior background in urban studies. Begin your journey into urban analysis and discover the hidden forces shaping our cities today.