Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - URB 101 D100

What is a city? (4)

Class Number: 3674

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students will learn what a city can be, and what it means to be part of an urban community from a range of perspectives, methods, and practices. Key ideas explore urban life and processes, including land and housing, economic relations, social relations, mobility and movement, political relations, and human-nature relations. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Embark on a dynamic learning journey with Urban Studies 101. This course delves deep into the core question: what defines a city? Taught by passionate faculty and industry practitioners, students will explore diverse perspectives, methodologies, and strategies
aimed at enhancing urban environments. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and immersive activities, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of cities and develop practical skills for real-world urban engagement.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of urbanization processes, patterns, and challenges worldwide. Students will explore the preconditions and drivers of urbanization, examine diverse urban systems and forms, and analyze urban problems
and potential solutions, developing the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to engage with complex urban issues in a global context.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Gain knowledge of the preconditions for urbanization.
  2. Understand how and why urbanization proceeds differently worldwide.
  3. Discern similarities and differences in urban systems globally.
  4. Become familiar with urban forms and systems shaping cities.
  5. Identify tools for understanding and diagnosing urban problems.
  6. Recognize relationships among urban forms, socioeconomic, demographic, and development patterns.
  7. Understand urban problems and identify transformative solutions.
  8. Demonstrate critical thinking in relation to urban problems and solutions.

Learning Outcomes:

On completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand global urbanization drivers.
  2. Compare and contrast urbanization processes.
  3. Analyze urban systems and structures.
  4. Identify factors shaping urban landscapes.
  5. Develop skills to diagnose and address urban challenges.
  6. Recognize interplay between urban forms and developmental patterns.
  7. Assess urban problems and explore sustainable solutions.
  8. Propose innovative approaches to urban issues considering ethical and environmental factors.

Grading

  • Weekly Quizzes 30%
  • Creative assignment 15%
  • Urban Challenge Project - Group Component 20%
  • Urban Challenge Project - Individual Component 35%

NOTES:

Course Schedule:

Week 1:   (Pt I) Course Introduction                 (Pt II) Project Planning

Week 2:   (Pt I) Conducting Literature Reviews  (Pt II) Developing Search Strategy

Week 3:   (Pt I) Data and the City                    (Pt II) Reviewing Statistical Data

Week 4:   (Pt I) Changing Urbanizing Cities       (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

Week 5:   (Pt I) The indigenous City                 (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

Week 6:   (Pt I) History and Canadian Cities      (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

Week 7:   (Pt I) Urban Diversity                       (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

Week 8:   (Pt I) Urban Mobilities                      (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

Week 9:   (Pt I) Urban economies                    (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

Week 10: Remembrance Day - No Class

Week 11: (Pt I) Urbanization and Housing       (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

Week 12: (Pt I) Age-Friendly Cities                  (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

Week 13: (Pt I) Sustainable Cities                    (Pt II) Class Reflection / Discussion

*Note: Outline is subject to change. Course details will be provided in the syllabus.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

The required readings for this class consist of book chapters, scholarly articles, government and policy documents, film, news pieces, and case studies. All required texts and materials (podcasts, films, etc.) are available via SFU Library or the course Canvas site

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.