Urban Studies: Researching and Writing About Cities

Every city tells a story through its architecture, neighborhoods, and historic developments, but analyzing these complex urban spaces requires a structured approach. This text-based course guides you through the foundational concepts of urban studies, showing you how to research, compare, and write about dynamic metropolitan areas. You will explore how physical geography, cultural heritage, and planning decisions shape iconic cities, using New Orleans as a primary lens for analysis. By reading through structured frameworks and historical case studies, you will learn to evaluate urban spaces critically. What you'll learn: Understand core urban studies terminology and foundational research methodologies; Analyze the relationship between historic preservation and modern city planning; Compare different neighborhoods using structured spatial and cultural criteria; Research primary and secondary sources to build compelling urban histories; Write clear, analytical essays on urban development and architectural evolution. This course begins with essential definitions of urban morphology and planning history before guiding you through practical research and writing exercises. It is designed for beginners, aspiring urban planners, and history enthusiasts, requiring no prior background in urban studies or architecture. Start developing your analytical eye and learn to decode the stories written into our city streets.