Urban Studies is an 18 credit hour interdisciplinary minor program that focuses on the exploration of cities and urban processes through a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The program prepares students to better understand, and be able to effectively address as professionals and citizens, the complex challenges presented by urban growth and development and the rapid pace of change in 21st century cities. The minor can be combined with many majors at William Paterson University such as political science, sociology, geography, anthropology, history, business, communication, and environmental science. For more information, contact Prof. Thomas Owusu, owusut@wpunj.edu, 973-720-3655. View requirements and course descriptions in the University Course CatalogClick here: Loading...
What Can an Urban Studies Minor Do For You? Prepares students for careers in the Public, Private and Non-profit sectors A minor in urban studies provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing careers such as land-use or community planning, law, public policy and administration, education, law enforcement, community organizing, transportation, housing and commercial development, real estate, political service, social work, journalism and research. Broadens students’ range of analytical tools Students who minor in urban studies will have the opportunity to explore cities through multiple lenses of analysis. A course in urban politics engages the student in questions of public policy and public service provision and courses in geography address issues of urban planning and spatial analysis. Courses in history provide temporal context and historical insight while courses in sociology and anthropology introduce students to the social dynamics and cultural complexity of urban life. Facilitates exposure to both traditional academic and applied analysis Course work in urban history, sociology and anthropology introduces students to theory development and evaluation and builds skills of critical thinking and analysis. Course work in architecture, politics and geography additionally emphasizes the ways in which urban practitioners identify and work to solve urban problems and challenges. Deepens students’ appreciation and understanding of urban problems and promise Housing, homelessness, sustainable development, urban design, transportation, poverty, urban health, crime, local government, urban sprawl, race relations, urban history, economic restructuring, urban revitalization and growth management are examples of issues explored in the courses offered within the urban studies minor. Prepares students for both professional and civic roles in the improvement of the quality of urban life The interdisciplinary focus of the urban studies minor prepares students to better understand and be able to effectively address, as both professionals and citizens, the many challenges presented by the rapid pace of urban change in the 21st Century.
