COURSE CURRICULUM

The Urban and Regional Studies program includes a wide range of courses that help students understand how cities and regions develop, function, and respond to social, economic, and environmental change. Foundational courses such as Introduction to Planning provide an overview of urban planning principles, including land use, infrastructure development, and sustainable city design. Students also engage with Contemporary Issues and Problems in Planning, which examines current challenges faced by urban areas, such as housing shortages, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, and urban growth management. Urban Social Geography focuses on how people interact with urban spaces, exploring patterns of inequality, neighbourhood change, migration, and the social structure of cities. Geographical Data and Analysis equips students with technical skills in mapping, spatial data interpretation, and the use of geographic information systems (GIS) for urban research and decision-making. Courses like Urbanization in Developing Countries broaden perspectives by examining global urban growth trends and the unique challenges faced by rapidly expanding cities. Local Government & Politics explores how municipal governments operate and how policy decisions shape urban development and public services. Spatial Organization of Economic Activity investigates how economic forces influence the location of industries, businesses, and services within regions. Together, these courses provide students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in planning, geography, and policy analysis, preparing them for careers in urban planning, public administration, and regional development.