GEOG 261 - Geography of World Urbanization

This course is focused on the development of the global urban system. Primary topics include the rise of non-industrial cities in Africa and Asia, rise and expansion of the industrial urban network in Europe, colonial cities and the growth of “world cities,” those large urban areas that are command and control points in the world economy. In addition, models of the internal spatial structure of cities in various parts of the world will be examined. Special emphasis will be given to the comparison of socialist and capitalist urban planning. Students will be responsible for conducting research on specific urban systems in different regions. Students are required to use the Internet for research and creation of a course web site on the geography department home page. Spring semester. (4 Credits)