The course views cities and urban regions as political constructs. Its purpose is to help you think strategically about major urban problems and controversies, particularly those that involve shaping the physical character of urban places. The course will examine the ways in which political activities--such as planning, regulation, and public investment--contribute to shaping the urban built environment. Topics covered include: the relations between central-regional and local government, and conflict over proposals for governmental reform; urban planning policy. Policy issues discussed will include the role of government planning and zoning in shaping urban areas (including their patterns of segregation and inequality related to class, race, and gender); housing policy, the politics of public infrastructure investment. Emphasis will be on the relationship between planning and social justice.