Urbanization and Development

This course surveys the causes and effects of rapid urbanization in developing countries by forming foundational theories of economic development and urbanization through an historical lens. It explores how public governance and economics affect urban development. The course studies why countries urbanize and examines the development of systems in cities as a result of urbanization. Specific civil and social challenges such as income, poverty, health, human capital, and innovation arising from the emergence of rapidly growing cities of the developing world are highlighted. Regional perspectives are also considered beginning with the United States, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.