Urban Studies

Educating for social change

Engaging the social and political context of the urban community has been at the core of the Urban Studies program since 1969. Students learn about how communities and groups negotiate for power and resources and understand how public officials, community leaders, and residents of the city shape public policy. Students become skilled in the language and actions of social change.

The Core Course is a central component of Urban Studies. Recent speakers have included Sen. Barack Obama, author Sandra Cisneros, former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, Raptivist Dead Prez, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Seminars, as in all three Chicago programs, engage students in reflective academic work and immersion in the city, with readings, field trips, and discussions with city experts.

Internships are available in a wide variety of non-profit and government organizations.

A unique feature of Urban Studies is the Precept, which links students’ living arrangements -- groups of 2-4 students in a furnished apartment clustered with several other groups in a Chicago neighborhood -- with Independent Study Projects. Neighborhood experts help students explore the assets of their neighborhood, participate in community activities, and develop a project that can make a difference.

Above: On a field trip to Latino Union.

Go to: Urban Studies Internships ... Staff