About Urban Studies

Program Goals and Objectives

The Urban Studies Program aims for an understanding of the social, economic, demographic, and political consequences of urban development. The Program emphasizes the development of students' powers of analysis and ability to think in an interdisciplinary manner. One central feature of the Urban Studies concentration is the required study of courses in American civilization, art, economics, history, history of art and architecture, political science, and sociology. The Program has several objectives:

• enable students to explore the various issues or problems inherent in urbanization
• provide an excellent background for careers in city planning, architectural design, historical preservation, real estate development, as well as law and business administration
• prepare students for graduate work in urban studies related disciplines

Community Involvement

The Urban Studies Program has a close relationship with the City of Providence. The faculty serve on numerous local and state government committees and councils. They also lend their expertise to a wide range of community organizations. The Program offers senior seminar-workshops on aspects of urban development in Providence, such as grass-roots community action and urban development.

As part of their fieldwork training, students are expected to work with local agencies and non-profit organizations. Summer internships are available for concentrators. Students are also encouraged to undertake projects involving the study of Providence and nearby cities for their honors thesis projects. In recent years, students have conducted feasibility studies and written reports on the functioning of the various agencies and organizations in Providence. As a symbol of our special relationship, the Mayor of Providence traditionally addresses our graduates and hands them their diplomas.