The Urban Studies minor provides an overview of how to study cities and regions-particularly in the Lowcountry-as well as the opportunity to study one or two urban themes or topical areas in depth. Students can study both the problems and prospects of cities, including topics such as crime and poverty, but they will also learn about city successes, such as what makes urban schools excel and what causes struggling districts to turn around. Urban Studies students also learn what it takes to envision, build, and maintain beautiful and functional neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Because the Urban Studies minor is multidisciplinary, meaning that it draws courses from many different disciplines, it is well-suited as a complement to almost any program of study. Students who minor or major in urban studies will be well-prepared to see the ‘big picture’ of real estate development, historic preservation efforts, economic processes including planning and development, as well as city administration and urban politics.