Urban history highlights the centrality of urban space and the city to understand past and present societies. This seminar introduces different approaches to urban history to examine how and why urban knowledge has been historically produced. It reviews both established and recent scholarship on the field while introducing critical concepts, schools, themes, perspectives, and challenges. Students will gain insight into the key moments and developments that have contributed to the rise of the city and the urban as objects of historical enquiry.

CILO-1: Compare and explain major approaches, frameworks, and themes in urban history. CILO-2: Identify and reflect on historical continuity and change informing the development of cities and urban phenomena affecting people’s lives and experiences. CILO-3: Communicate ideas clearly with others through assignments and class work. CILO-4: Practice critical reading, interpretation and analysis in history writing.