Provides an extensive overview of the cultural, economic, political, and religious importance of cities in ancient and modern societies. Students will be exposed to concepts, research, and the historical development of cities and contemporary changes in urban life.
According to Cities and Urban Life, 6th Edition (Macionis and Parrillo: 2013). “Students will learn that cities and urban life vary according to time and place; cities reflect and intensify society and culture; cities reveal the best and the worst about the human condition; and cities offer the promise—but not always the reality—of a better life.”
Poverty will not diminish overnight. It will continue to be of importance and many will continue living impoverished lives in urban areas around the world. Knowledge of poverty is a great opportunity to join God where He is working and with the hope and freedom that can be found in Him. We have the opportunity to join Him in His mission.
This course will be based on a biblical worldview. We will specifically focus on Isaiah 65:18, 21 and 22 ESV: “But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.” “They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat, or like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”
Our goal is to see how God can and is working in city and metropolitan areas around the world and how this allows us the opportunity to join Him in that work. It is a mission that He has provided for us.
Poverty is not new. There are eight goals that comprise an international agenda for reducing poverty and improving lives (Henslin 2011).
A focus on urban sociology describes how the experience of living in cities differs for different groups based on their race, ethnicity, and social class. This course also gives students the opportunity to see how this can work around the world.
This course will give students the practical tools and insights that they need to create and make a difference in their respective communities.
This course will not only focus on the ideas and concepts that are taught, but will also give students the opportunity to apply them and live them out in their lives. Students will take what they have learned and apply that learning to their specific environment.
