Urban Studies program overview
Since its inception in 1969, the Urban Studies Program has provided students with a thoughtful and challenging introduction to the complexities of life and society in Chicago.
Coursework, field trips, and program seminars guide students to examine major sociological and political issues of the day through the personal perspectives of Chicago’s community leaders, politicians, and activists, as well as through analytical frameworks provided through traditional scholarship on the subjects of public policy, community development, social justice, gender, race, and ethnicity in American urban societies.
Students participating in the semester-long Urban Studies program will be guided by the program director and faculty members to engage in their work with a personal sense of self-reflection, creativity, innovation, and open-mindedness as they participate in the four key components of the program:
Note: Students participating in the spring trimester option will take the core course, program seminar, and will have a choice between an internship or an independent study project.
As participants in the Urban Studies program, students engage the social and political context of the urban community as they:
- Observe how public officials, community leaders, and city residents shape public policy;
- Learn how communities and groups negotiate for power and resources;
- Become skilled in the language and actions of social change;
- Participate in internships with local not-for-profit, governmental, and political organizations;
- Discuss issues with experts and insiders from government, the media, social service agencies, and community groups; and
- Live in one of Urban Studies' unique "precepts" - groups of 2-4 students in furnished apartments clustered in some of Chicago's distinctive neighborhoods.
Urban Studies student Matt Gustavson, working as part of the "Obama For America" campaign.
Quick Facts
- Term: Fall semester, spring semester, & spring trimester (March-May)
- Language prerequisite: None
- Language of instruction: English
- Living arrangements: Apartment
Application deadlines
March 15, 2010
Fall 2010 semester
March 15, 2010
Spring 2011 semester early application date
Do I need to apply early?
The early application date is available for students whose college requires that all off-campus study applications for the entire upcoming academic year must be completed the prior spring semester. If your college does not require a spring decision for programs the following spring, you may simply apply by the regular application deadline.
October 31, 2010
Spring 2011 semester
If the deadline has passed and you are interested in applying, contact the ACM Office immediately. Late applications may be accepted on a space-available basis.
Related Programs
Program contacts
Emily Gaul
Program Associate
205 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.263.5000
egaul@acm.edu
More program contacts »
Publications & Resources
Chicago Programs brochure
Chicago Programs Student Handbook 2009-10
Chicago Programs internship list