Urban Sociology and Critical Theory for City Planning

Do you want to move beyond simple descriptions of cities and understand the underlying social forces that shape urban life? This course provides the essential theoretical foundation for analyzing how power, economy, and culture interact within the urban environment. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to apply major schools of social thought—from classical sociology to contemporary critical theory—to real-world urban issues like inequality, housing crises, and sustainability. What you'll learn: * Understand the core concepts of classical urban sociology, including the works of Simmel, Wirth, and the Chicago School. * Analyze critical theories of urban space, focusing on Marxist, feminist, and post-structuralist perspectives on power and spatial inequality. * Apply theoretical models to contemporary urban planning issues such as housing affordability, mobility, and segregation. * Examine the social impact of modern phenomena like gentrification and the critique of the 'smart city' movement. * Practice using theoretical lenses to critique current urban policies and proposed development projects. The course begins by defining key terminology and historical context, then progresses through major theoretical schools, concluding with practical application exercises focused on contemporary urban challenges. This course is designed for absolute beginners in urban studies, sociology, and planning who need a solid theoretical foundation. No prior knowledge of social theory or urban planning is required. Start building your analytical toolkit for understanding the complex social life of the city today.