Barnard-Columbia Urban Studies

Urban-related Social Science (3 courses)

One course dealing primarily with urban subject matter from each of three of the following disciplines:

• Anthropology
• Economics
• History
• Political Science
• Sociology

Two such courses must be completed before taking the Junior Colloquium (V3545; V3546). It is recommend that majors fulfill this requirement before the junior year.

Many courses offered through Urban Studies may count towards the A requirement, depending on their core disciplinary content. For example, Introduction to Sociology counts as a Sociology course, as does Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration; Community Building counts as a Political Science course, etc.

Courses that fulfill Requirement A

Urban-related non-Social Science (1 course)

One course dealing primarily with urban subject matter from a discipline not listed above (such as Architecture, Art History, English, Environmental Science, etc.)

Courses that fulfill Requirement B

Methods of Analysis (1 course)

One course in Methods of Analysis, such as Urban Studies BC3200 Spatial Analysis: GIS Methods and Urban Case Studies.

Courses that fulfill Requirement C

Specialization (5 courses)

Five or more courses in a specialization from one of the participating departments.

Courses that fulfill Requirement D

Junior Colloquia (2 courses)

In the junior year, two colloquia are required:

• URBS V 3545x Junior Colloquium: The Shaping of the Modern City. O. Gutfreund
An introduction to the historical process and social consequences of urban growth. Readings and discussion are focused on various types of cities and the origins of urban problems. (Fall term)

• URBS V 3546y Junior Colloquium: Contemporary Urban Issues. K. Yatrakis & L. Minnite
An evaluation of current political, economic, social, cultural and physical forces that are shaping urban areas. (Spring term)

If you intend to study abroad during your junior year, see the Director during your sophomore year to plan your program

Senior Seminar (2 courses)

In the senior year, a senior thesis written in conjunction with a two-semester research seminar, chosen from the following four options:

• Senior Research Seminar in the department of specialization
  
  
• Senior Seminar in Urban Studies: The Built Environment (URBS V3992x-93y)
  Emphasizes the study of the built environment of cities and suburbs, and the related debates. Seminar readings, class presentations, and written reports culminate in major individual projects that combine written work and design work. Readings will include architecture, urban design, urban planning, and urban history.
  
  
• Senior Seminar in Urban Studies: New York Field Research (URBS V3994x-95y)
  Students engage in a social research project from conceptualization to final report, using New York City as a research laboratory. Working individually and in small groups, under the guidance of the faculty coordinator: students clarify basic theoretical issues related to the research problem; find ways of making a series of empirical questions operational; collect evidence to test hypotheses; analyze the data using a variety of social science techniques; and produce reports of basic findings.
  
  
• Senior Seminar in Urban Studies: International Topics (URBS V3996x-97y)
  A year-long research seminar for students who wish to conduct a senior thesis project that focuses on cities outside of the United States. Topics relating to the rapid urbanization of Latin America, Africa, and Asia are particularly welcome. Seminar meetings will include discussion of relevant readings, as well as occasional class presentations and peer-editing assignments.