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University of Calgary Calendar 2023-2024 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION Course Descriptions T, U Urban Studies UBST
Urban Studies UBST

For more information see the Department of Geography website: arts.ucalgary.ca/geography.

Junior Course
Urban Studies 253       Introduction to Cities
A broad introductory survey, from diverse perspectives, of the processes that shape cities and urban life.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Urban Studies 253 and any of Geography 253, 352 or 354 will not be allowed.
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Senior Courses
Urban Studies 311       The Gendered City
Introduction to urban gender issues from historical and spatial perspectives. Issues such as the gendering of urban design and planning, daily urban activities, urban labour markets, urban politics, gentrification, suburbanization, and identity construction in urban places are addressed.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Urban Studies 253 or Geography 253.
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Urban Studies 313       The City in Film
Introduction to the representation of cities in film. Theoretical understandings of urban processes are linked to urban experiences as portrayed in urban film. Topics may include changing urban form, suburbanization, economic restructuring, racial conflict, community formation, urban politics, and more. May focus on particular cities around the world.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
3 units from Urban Studies 253, Geography 253, Anthropology 379 or Sociology 353.
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Urban Studies 451       Planning in the Canadian City
Introduction to Canadian urban planning theory and practice. Focuses on the history of planning, and aspects of practice such as neighbourhood planning, historic preservation, urban design and long-range planning.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Urban Studies 253.
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Urban Studies 461       The Transit City
An exploration of the relationships among public transit, urban form, and land use planning and policy in the context of challenges such as climate change, energy shortages, widespread urbanization and traffic congestion.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
3 units from Geography 341, 351, 452 or 454.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Urban Studies 461 and 505.03 (The Transit City) will not be allowed.
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Urban Studies 494       Sustainable Cities I
Field exploration of cities on the cutting edge of urban sustainability and smart innovation. Historical urban development and economic, cultural, political and regional processes are addressed, laying the groundwork for understanding how innovation in sustainability and smart planning are achieved. Resources, housing, food security, transportation, energy, and governance issues are considered.
Course Hours:
3 units; (36-48 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
May be offered as part of a group study program. Additional fees may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.  
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Urban Studies 495       Sustainable Cities II
Further field exploration of cities on the cutting edge of sustainability and smart innovation, building from Urban Studies 494. Economic, political, and cultural aspects of sustainability and smart innovation are considered, focusing on urban form, mobility systems, social geography, and political processes. Theoretical and practical links between urban, municipal, and national policies, and global sustainability discourses are made.
Course Hours:
3 units; (36-48 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
May be offered as part of a group study program. Additional fees may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.  
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Urban Studies 501       Research in Selected Topics
An examination of selected topics in Urban Studies in a lecture format.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Urban Studies 505       Advanced Topics in Urban Studies
An examination of selected topics in Urban Studies in a seminar format.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to Urban Studies major or minor and completion of 75 units.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Urban Studies 553       Seminar in Urban Theory
Overview of contemporary themes in urban theory such as modernity and postmodernity, political economy, production of social difference, public and private space, globalization, inequality, and urban sustainability. Topics may vary depending on developments in the field and student interests.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Urban Studies 591       Capstone in Urban Studies
Capstone course applying the broad interdisciplinary training of the Urban Studies Program to selected problems in urban studies. Collaborative research and analysis is stressed.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
90 units and admission to the Urban Studies Major or Minor.
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Urban Studies 596       Directed Independent Study
Advanced study of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
Course Hours:
3 units; (12-36 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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