Economic aspects of urbanization with an emphasis on inter- and
intra-metropolitan location decisions of households and firms.
Analysis of land, housing, and transportation markets and of
local public finance and public policy in metropolitan areas.
Athena Title
Urban Economics
Prerequisite
ECON 4010
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will be able to explain why cities exist, how agglomeration economies work, and what determines urban form, size, and spatial structure.
Students will be able to apply urban economic models to analyze land use patterns, housing affordability, and the spatial distribution of economic activity and inequality.
Students will be able to assess the economic impacts of urban policies—such as zoning, transportation, and housing interventions—on efficiency, equity, and city growth.
Students will be able to identify how well-intentioned urban policies—such as rent control, transportation subsidies, or urban renewal—can generate unexpected outcomes through behavioral responses, market adjustments, or spatial spillovers.
Topical Outline
Urban Location, Growth, and Development
Housing, Real Estate, and Labor Markets
Local Public Finance and Land Use Policy
Transportation, Infrastructure, and Urban Issues
Empirical Methods in Urban and Regional Economics
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
