The Making of the City: Social Theory for Urban Planning

Urban environments are complex products of human interaction, labor, and policy. To understand why cities look and function the way they do, you need a strong theoretical foundation. This course provides a foundational understanding of the key social theories used in urban studies and planning. You will learn the frameworks necessary to critically analyze urban structures, evaluate development patterns, and understand the deep societal forces that shape our built environment. What you'll learn: * Understand the fundamental concepts of classical urban sociology and theory. * Analyze the historical role of human labor and agency (homo-faber) in shaping urban form and function. * Apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary issues like spatial inequality and gentrification. * Practice evaluating urban policies through the lens of equity and social justice. * Learn foundational principles of sustainable and resilient urban planning. * Master key terminology used by professionals in urban studies and public policy. We begin by defining essential terminology and exploring the history of urban thought before moving into major theoretical schools and applying these concepts to practical urban development scenarios and policy analysis through written exercises. This course requires no prior knowledge of sociology or planning. Start building your critical understanding of urban life today.