This course is an introduction to the historical development of cities, the causes and consequences of major urban issues, and the practice of urban planning. It focuses primarily on cities in the United States and is intended for students who are completing a minor in City and Regional Planning, as well as those who are simply interested in learning about urban planning. This course is a companion course for PLAN 247: Solving Urban Problems, which focuses on planning methods and policy implications. There are no course prerequisites.