This concentration focuses on understanding the history, development, social and political dynamics of urban centers, both in the US and globally. It addresses the current and future environmental, physical and demographic aspects of human settlement as well as social and political aspects. Topics include issues of urban social stratification and poverty; race/ethnicity and lifestyles; immigration; crime and delinquency; community, politics and community activism; urban planning; housing; technology and the environment; media, art and culture; and work and occupations. We strongly suggest that students in this concentration take SOC 245: Urban Sociology or SOC 212: Community and Society.
Course Requirements
- Two 200-level courses from the following list:
- Three 300-level courses from the following list:
- Two 300 level electives in Sociology, which may include those courses listed above
- One additional 200 or 300 level elective in Sociology, which may include those courses listed above
Open Electives
Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours.
SOC 212
COMMUNITY AND SOCIETY
An analysis of neighborhoods, cities, suburbs and utopian communities; the examination of major trends in urbanization and the evaluation of urban and community policies.
SOC 214
POLICE AND THE URBAN COMMUNITY
The nature of police work, decision-making structures and processes, conflict and cooperation in police-community relationships.
SOC 230
SEX AND GENDER IN THE CITY
Examines the role of sex, sexuality, and gender in urban life, their interaction in urban spaces, and the formation of related private and public social policies.
SOC 231
RACE AND ETHNICITY IN THE CITY
The social and cultural importance of urban ethnic communities and their interrelationships are investigated through a study of neighborhood development and change. Special emphasis on the major ethnic communities of Chicago.
SOC 232
GLOBAL CITIES
National and international comparisons of urbanization and urbanism as a way of life in world cities, regional/satellite cities, and cities of production and distribution. Focus on the impact of power and resources on city life throughout the world.
SOC 245
URBAN SOCIOLOGY (FORMERLY SOC 345)
Study of urban growth and its impact. Topics explored include metropolitan development and change, population density, diversity and migration, urban life styles, urban institutions and important societal trends. Local, national and cross-national cases are examined. (Formerly taught as SOC 345)
SOC 271
INTRODUCTION TO DEMOGRAPHY
An examination of important population related problems and issues facing nations today. Selected topics include comparative population policies and their societal implications, population control, mortality patterns, changing patterns of illness and epidemic disease, contemporary migration and refugee patterns and related national policies, and the societal responses to changing age structures.
SOC 340
SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Examination of inequalities in wealth and power and their consequences for individuals and the society; for example, the institutions of law, health care, education and politics.
Prerequisites:
SOC 101 or SOC 105 is a prerequisite for this class.SOC 346
URBAN ETHNOGRAPHY
An introduction to field research in an urban environment.
Prerequisites:
SOC 101 or SOC 105 is a prerequisite for this class.SOC 347
CLASS, POWER AND DECISION MAKING IN THE CITY
Analysis of decision-making in urban settings. Considers the role of class disparities, power, citizen protest and community participation in urban outcomes.
SOC 348
THE CITY IN THE FUTURE
Alternative views of urban structures and social life in the post-industrial age. Considerations of the implications of energy, different technologies, future shock and social trends.
SOC 354
COMPARATIVE COMMUNITY POLITICS (CROSS-LISTED AS SOC 426 & MPS 574)
The course examines a variety of areas affecting the social and political organization of communities in the U.S. and other countries. Important areas examined include social organization, the institutional and socioeconomic structure, urbanization, patterns of citizen participation and the social organization of political decision making.
SOC 355
CHICAGO AS A SOCIAL SYSTEM
This course draws upon the rich tradition of sociological work carried out in Chicago to exemplify, illuminate, and integrate a variety of sociological concepts, theories and methodologies.
SOC 356
THE CITY IN CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
This course examines the city as a type of human settlement, focusing on the different forms, functions, images and ideological perceptions of cities across a number of different cultures.
SOC 370
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND FOOD
Exploration of community food resources and the relationship to chronic disease such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Qualitative methods focus on meanings of eating habits and how people secure food. Analyzes barriers and supports for healthy eating habits in Chicago neighborhoods. Service-learning component.
SOC 390
SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY
Selected topics form the basis of an in-depth consideration. Topics vary and may be initiated by students.
SOC 394
COMMUNITY BASED SOCIOLOGY
Combines basic understanding of sociological principles with field experience.
SOC 398
INTERNSHIP
Placement of students in work-study situations relevant to careers in health and human services, social work, juvenile justice, law and society, urban and community services. Clinical and Experiential (can fulfill jr. yr. requirement). (1 to 4 credit hours).