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Course Listing for URBAN STUDIES - Spring 2026 (ALL: 01/20/2026 - 05/08/2026)
Class
No.		 Course ID Title Credits Type Instructor(s) Days:Times Location Permission
Required		 Dist Qtr
2872 URST-101-01 Introduction to Urban Studies 1.00 LEC King, Arianna TR: 1:30PM-2:45PM TBA SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 39 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  This course is not open to seniors.
  This course provides a general introduction to the interdisciplinary field of urban studies. Using a variety of Western and non-Western cities as illustrative examples, the course aims to give a broad survey and understanding of the distinctive characteristics of urban places. Students will learn definitions, concepts, and theories that are fundamental to the field. Topics covered include the role of planning in shaping cities, the economic structure and function of cities, the evolution of urban culture, community organization and development, gentrification and urban renewal, and urban governance policy.
1293 URST-201-01 From Hartford to World Cities 1.00 LEC Lukens, David W: 6:30PM-9:00PM TBA GLB5  
  Enrollment limited to 25 Waitlist available: Y Mode of Instruction: In Person  
    Cross-listing: SOCL-227-01
  PR: URST101 or CTYP101 or SOCL 101
  The 21st century is truly a global urban age characterized by the simultaneous decline and revival of post-industrial cities in the United States and the co-existence of boom and poverty in the rapidly industrializing cities in developing countries, as well as by how globalization is exerting a growing impact on urban places and processes everywhere. This course adopts an integrated and comparative approach to studying the local and global characteristics, conditions, and consequences of the growth and transformation of cities and communities. Using Hartford—Trinity's hometown—as a point or place of departure, the course takes students to a set of world or global cities outside the United States, especially a few dynamic mega-cities in developing countries to explore the differences and surprising similarities among them.
2333 URST-210-01 Sustainable Urban Development 1.00 LEC Hussain, Mushahid W: 1:30PM-4:10PM TBA GLB  
  Enrollment limited to 19 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  With the era in which city dwellers comprise a majority of the world's population has come a new urgency for understanding the balance between urban development and the environment. This course introduces students to the sub-field of urban studies which deals with sustainable development, including exploration of the debates on the meanings of sustainability and development in cities. Taking a comparative approach and a global perspective, topics to be examined may include the ecological footprint of cities, urban programs for sustainable urban planning, urban transportation and service delivery, energy issues, and the critical geopolitics of urban sustainability around the world. May be counted toward INTS major requirements.
2963 URST-221-01 City and Society 1.00 LEC Hussain, Mushahid TR: 10:50AM-12:05PM TBA GLB5  
  Enrollment limited to 25 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Prerequisite: Urban Studies 101 or permission of instructor.
  This course examines the city as a central object of inquiry in classical and contemporary social society. How did the city come to be considered the cradle of civilizations, cultures, and imagined communities? Why is the city often at the center of narratives about the transition to modernity? What is the relationship between capitalist development, global trade networks, and urban life? How does the city figure in addressing the biggest issues facing human societies today – from living with climate change, migration, and rural-urban inequalities to the role of urban environments in generating both alienation and social solidarity? The course guides students towards developing a historical, comparative, and theoretically grounded perspective on the city in contemporary social life.
2718 URST-222-01 Ancient Mediterranean Cities 1.00 LEC Risser, Martha TR: 9:25AM-10:40AM TBA HUM  
  Enrollment limited to 29 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
    Cross-listing: CLCV-222-01
  This course traces ancient urbanism from the development of Neolithic sedentism to the massive cities of the Hellenistic kingdoms and the Roman Empire. We will examine both primary and secondary texts, together with evidence from art and archaeology, to assemble a composite view of urban life and the environmental, topographical, political, cultural, and economic factors that shaped some of the most impressive cities ever built, many of which remain major metropolitan centers today.
2964 URST-311-01 Cities at Work 1.00 SEM Hussain, Mushahid TR: 1:30PM-2:45PM TBA GLB5  
  Enrollment limited to 19 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  This course critically examines employment relationships and power structures in contemporary cities. Using case studies from the United States and across the globe, we will explore debates on how globalization and the rise of informal urban labor markets, the gig economy and other precarious forms of work are transforming the nature of urban employment. We will also analyze the effects of de-industrialization on urban job markets, the challenges faced by immigrant workers, and the evolving role of sanctuary cities. Additionally, the course investigates collective efforts to secure health, environmental, and labor protections in urban employment settings. Students will gain a crucial understanding of how cities are reshaping the nature of work, labor rights movements, and urban citizenship in an era of rapid economic and social change.
2925 URST-318-01 Reshaping Global Urbanization 1.00 SEM Goldstein, Shoshana TR: 9:25AM-10:40AM TBA GLB5  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  This course aims to provide an extensive and in-depth understanding of China's prominent and powerful role in shaping a new and significant era of global urbanization. Having urbanized at the fastest pace, on the largest scale, and in the shortest time period in human history, China has been "building out" by constructing transport infrastructure, industrial zones, and municipal facilities in many countries. The course first assesses the Chinese mode of urban development focused on its beneficial and problematic social and spatial consequences. In the following segments, the course examines China's varied approach to and experience in city-building and infrastructure construction in Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. The course concludes on the theoretical and policy implications of "China-fueled" global urbanization, especially for developing countries.
2603 URST-329-01 Urban Ethnography 1.00 SEM King, Arianna TR: 10:50AM-12:05PM TBA SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
    Cross-listing: URST-829-01
  Prerequisite: Urban Studies 101 or permission of instructor.
  Ethnography is a qualitative research method commonly used in the humanistic social sciences that involves naturalistic observation/interaction. Its goal is to produce richer understandings of people, practice, culture, and place by textualizing the kinetic motion of everyday life. This course introduces students to urban ethnographic research methods and their intrinsic value to the field of Urban Studies. By reading and analyzing a broad array of urban ethnographic work from across the globe, students will gain a better understanding of ethnographic writing and the practice of urban ethnography and what it has to offer. This course aims to expose you to a variety of urban contexts beyond EuroAmerica and in doing so build your reading, writing, interpretation, and analytical skills.
2923 URST-370-01 Planning for Climate Justice 1.00 SEM Goldstein, Shoshana T: 1:30PM-4:10PM TBA GLB5  
  Enrollment limited to 12 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
    Cross-listing: URST-870-01
  This course focuses on the role of planners and the cities, towns, and regions they serve in addressing climate change, examining how core principles of environmental justice influence-or fail to influence-their practices. Students will explore social movements and community-led activism advocating for more equitable responses to the climate emergency. The course also delves into the relationship between disaster and environmental planning, current methods of adaptation, mitigation, and resilience planning, the politics of managed retreat, as well as alternative frameworks and perspectives from abroad, particularly from the Global South.
1265 URST-399-01 Independent Study 0.50 - 1.00 IND TBA TBA TBA Y SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 5 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Prerequisite: Urban Studies 101 or permission of instructor.
  Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment.
1262 URST-401-01 Senior Seminar 1.00 SEM Chen, Xiangming M: 6:30PM-9:00PM TBA WEB  
  Enrollment limited to 19 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Prerequisite: Urban Studies 201, Sociology 227 or permission of instructor.
  This course serves as a capstone seminar with two purposes. First, it provides a comparative and integrated treatment of the urban scholarship through an intensive and interdisciplinary reading of advanced books and articles, rigorous discussions, and in-depth writing. This course allows students to widen and deepen the cumulative content and experience they have gained from previous urban courses, study abroad programs, and urban engagement and internship projects. Secondly, by connecting and even tailoring some of the seminar’s content to individual students, the course prepares and guides students to undertake and successfully complete a senior thesis for the Urban Studies major.
1729 URST-466-01 Teaching Assistant 0.50 - 1.00 IND TBA TBA TBA Y  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Submission of the special registration form, available online, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. Guidelines are available in the College Bulletin. (0.5 - 1 course credit)
1725 URST-497-01 Single Semester Thesis 1.00 IND TBA TBA TBA Y WEB  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Submission of special registration form and the approval of the director are required for enrollment in this single-semester thesis.
2303 URST-499-01 Senior Thesis, Part 2 1.00 IND TBA TBA TBA Y WEB  
  Enrollment limited to 5 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Written report and formal presentation of a research project. Required of all students who wish to earn honors in Urban Studies. Submission of the special registration form and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for each semester of this year-long thesis. (2 course credits to be completed in two semesters.)
2602 URST-829-01 Urban Ethnography 1.00 SEM King, Arianna TR: 10:50AM-12:05PM TBA SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
    Cross-listing: URST-329-01
  Ethnography is a qualitative research method commonly used in the humanistic social sciences that involves naturalistic observation/interaction. Its goal is to produce richer understandings of people, practice, culture, and place by textualizing the kinetic motion of everyday life. This course introduces students to urban ethnographic research methods and their intrinsic value to the field of Urban Studies. By reading and analyzing a broad array of urban ethnographic work from across the globe, students will gain a better understanding of ethnographic writing and the practice of urban ethnography and what it has to offer. This course aims to expose you to a variety of urban contexts beyond EuroAmerica and in doing so build your reading, writing, interpretation, and analytical skills.
2924 URST-870-01 Planning for Climate Justice 1.00 SEM Goldstein, Shoshana T: 1:30PM-4:10PM TBA GLB5  
  Enrollment limited to 3 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
    Cross-listing: URST-370-01
  This course focuses on the role of planners and the cities, towns, and regions they serve in addressing climate change, examining how core principles of environmental justice influence-or fail to influence-their practices. Students will explore social movements and community-led activism advocating for more equitable responses to the climate emergency. The course also delves into the relationship between disaster and environmental planning, current methods of adaptation, mitigation, and resilience planning, the politics of managed retreat, as well as alternative frameworks and perspectives from abroad, particularly from the Global South.
1734 URST-874-01 Practicum 1.00 SEM Fitzpatrick, Sean W: 6:30PM-9:00PM TBA SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
    Cross-listing: PBPL-874-01
  The Practicum is a semester-long opportunity for students to apply and expand their knowledge and technical skills by performing an actual consulting engagement for a public sector client organization. Practicum students will work in small teams to analyze and make recommendations with respect to issues of real significance faced by their clients. Each engagement will combine research, project planning, and problem-solving challenges, as well as substantial client contact. Client organizations are selected from across the policy spectrum to better enable students to pursue subject matters of particular relevance to their studies and career interests. Each engagement will culminate in a final report and formal presentation to the client organization. The Practicum instructor will provide careful guidance and participants will have opportunities to share ideas, experiences, and best practices.
2588 URST-953-01 Research Project 1.00 IND TBA TBA TBA Y SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Under the guidance of a faculty member, graduate students may do an independent research project on a topic in American studies. Written approval of the graduate adviser and the program director are required. Contact the Office of Graduate Studies for the special approval form.
2589 URST-954-01 Thesis Part I 1.00 IND TBA TBA TBA Y SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Thesis Part I
2590 URST-955-01 Thesis Part II 1.00 IND TBA TBA TBA Y SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Thesis Part II
2591 URST-956-01 Thesis 2.00 IND TBA TBA TBA Y SOC  
  Enrollment limited to 15 Waitlist available: N Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Thesis
2958 CLCV-111-01 Intro Classical Art/Archaeolgy 1.00 LEC Risser, Martha TR: 1:30PM-2:45PM TBA ART  
  Enrollment limited to 39 Waitlist available: Y Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Also cross-referenced with ARTHISTORY, URST
  A survey of the art and archaeology of the classical world, from the Neolithic period through the Roman Empire. Topics of discussion include sculpture, pottery, painting, architecture, town planning, burial practices, and major monuments, as well as archaeological method and theory.
2336 PBPL-310-01 Tax Pol & Inequality in Htfd 1.00 SEM Laws, Serena W: 1:30PM-4:10PM TBA SOCW  
  Enrollment limited to 19 Waitlist available: Y Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Also cross-referenced with CLIC, POLS, URST
  NOTE: 10 seats reserved for PBPL majors. Limit to 5 seniors.
  In this course students will learn about U.S. tax policy and apply their knowledge by preparing taxes for Hartford residents at Trinity's VITA Tax Clinic. Tax policy in the United States is a key site of government redistribution-a place where economic inequality can be mitigated or reinforced. This course explores central elements of tax policy with an emphasis on the politics and policies that led to the growth of social tax expenditures, including refundable tax credits. Students will receive training to become IRS certified tax preparers, and each student will prepare taxes for a regular shift at a VITA site near campus. An enhanced version of this class fulfills the PBPL Internship Requirement.
2621 ROME-250-01 The City of Rome 1.00 LEC Gadeyne, Jan
Martin, Simon		 R: 1:45PM-4:45PM TBA GLB5  
  Enrollment limited to 12 Waitlist available: Y Mode of Instruction: In Person  
  Also cross-referenced with URST
  NOTE: This course is for Trinity in Rome study away students only.
  This course intends to study and reconstruct the history of Rome from its origins to the present day. You will explore the city not as a showplace of famous monuments but as a complex system of historical, political, religious, and social elements that century after century shaped its distinctive urban character. Special topics will be: Rome as the capital of the Roman Empire, the transformation of the city in the Middle Ages, the impact of the popes of the Renaissance and Baroque age on the city’s urban development, and Rome as capital of Italy from 1870 onwards. Lectures will try in part to recreate an onsite experience typical of the course when offered in Rome through visual content and assignments.