Focuses on the dilemmas posed by urbanization in developing countries, where the relentless process of city growth is challenging governments and placing an enormous burden on societies. The course addresses a key question underlying the studies on development and urbanization: how can cities develop economically, and at the same time preserve the quality of the urban space? The interdisciplinary course relies on concepts and theories drawn from the disciplines of political science, sociology and history, and from the subfields of international political economy, public policy, urban planning and environmental studies. It may be taught abroad with a fieldwork component directed by the instructor.