Program Photos

Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning, and Politics

Location: Brazil: Sao Paulo; India: Chandigarh, Delhi; Senegal: Dakar; United States: Detroit

Term: Fall

Dates: Sept-Dec

SIT Study Abroad

http://www.sit.edu

PO Box 676 Kipling Road Brattleboro, Vermont 05302-0676 United States

Call Us

Phone: (888)272-7881

Fax: (802)258-3296

Description

Explore how geography, politics, and culture affect whether people can thrive in cities.

The Cities in the 21st Century program examines the intentional and natural forces that guide the development of the world's cities. It combines an innovative urban studies academic curriculum with fieldwork involving public agencies, planners, elected officials, NGOs, and grassroots groups in important world cities where exciting changes are taking place.

Students learn how to "read a city" an iterative process that hones the ability to observe, question, document, research, and communicate leading to a better understanding of the interconnected social, physical, economic, environmental and political systems that affect urban environments.

Students examine how the structure of a city enhances or impedes growth. They learn who exercises power in cities and where power comes from. And they examine the role of state and local government in formulating development policies in a changing world economy, and the challenges public policymakers face in light of increasing inequity.

IHP's comparative approach enables students to analyze and contrast major issues across cities, and track how concerns manifest themselves in the planning process, and ultimately, in a course of action.

Highlights

Key Questions
Though human needs may be similar around the globe, why does a city's ability to satisfy those needs vary?

How do people create a sense of place, of community, of urban identity?
What historical and socio-cultural contexts frame the opportunities, constraints, and uncertainties of urban life?

What must be done - and by whom - to move toward ecologically sustainable cities?
What are the opportunities for political action by individuals, community organizations, social movements, or even local government to shape city life?

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

Credit Available

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Group living
  • Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • In-Person Interview when Feasible
  • Letters of Reference
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Transcript
  • Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
3 weeks
Post Services Include
  • Alumni Network
  • Exit Debriefing Abroad
  • Job and Internship Network
SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

 

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932

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