This one-semester elective will introduce students to the work of urban studies by examining historical and contemporary issues in urban planning, governance, and life. Students will learn about how discrimination, redlining, and zoning contributed to inequity within American cities and consider how different cities around the globe have addressed issues ranging from public space/parks to affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure, and climate change. As a class, we will consider how gentrification and global tourism has transformed cities internationally, both creating new economic opportunities and exacerbating inequality. Ultimately the course will challenge students to be more engaged citizens of the cities in which they live.