Program Overview
The Urban and Community Studies program at UConn is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on educating students on various aspects of urban and community life. The program consists of core courses, methods courses, and supporting courses, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of cities, suburbs, neighborhoods, and communities. Graduates are prepared for careers in public and community service as well as graduate studies in related fields.
Program Outline
It focuses on educating students on various aspects of urban and community life, preparing them for careers in public and community service as well as graduate studies in related fields.
Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of cities, suburbs, neighborhoods, and communities.
- Acquire a solid foundation in analytical techniques applicable to urban and community studies.
- Receive in-depth training in specific areas of interest through elective courses.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- The program consists of three parts:
- Core Courses: Students complete three courses in three different fields related to urban and community studies. These fields include: Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology, and Urban and Community Studies.
- Methods Courses: Students take one course focused on data analysis and research methods relevant to the field. Options include statistical analysis, geographic information systems, qualitative methods, and archival research.
- Supporting Courses: Students select two additional courses from a list of relevant disciplines and topics. These courses provide an opportunity to broaden their academic training or specialize in specific areas.
Course Schedule:
- The specific course offerings and schedule may vary from year to year. However, the required courses provide a comprehensive overview of various aspects of urban and community studies. However, it is likely that students will be evaluated through a combination of exams, assignments, projects, and presentations.
Assessment Criteria:
- The specific assessment criteria will vary depending on the individual course and instructor. However, students are generally expected to demonstrate their understanding of course material, ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations, and critical thinking skills. However, it is likely that a variety of teaching methods will be employed, including lectures, discussions, group work, case studies, simulations, and field trips.
Faculty:
- The program boasts a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas related to urban and community studies.
Unique Approaches:
- The program emphasizes experiential learning through opportunities such as internships, service learning, and the Urban Semester Program.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors, including:
- Urban planner
- Community organizer
- Policy analyst
- Social worker
- Public administrator
- Nonprofit manager
- Researcher
- Educator
- The program also provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in related fields.
Career Opportunities:
- The program assists students in identifying and pursuing career opportunities through career advising, internships, and networking opportunities.
Career Outcomes:
- The program satisfies the information literacy requirement through the successful completion of URBN 2000 Introduction to Urban and Community Studies.
Minors:
Conclusion:
The Urban and Community Studies program at UConn provides students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education, preparing them for successful careers and further studies in related fields. The program offers a strong emphasis on experiential learning, career development, and faculty expertise.
