Urban Wastelands is in ‘Module 1’ of the University Core (“Engaging Academic Inquiry”). “’Module 1’ is a move into the academy, helping students develop critical academic skills and learn how major disciplinary approaches of the academy make sense of the world, while learning important content from particular disciplines within each approach” (Seattle University Core Curriculum). Students will learn key theories, key thinkers, and key methodological skills associated with the sociological investigation of urban spaces—focusing in the United States. You can expect lectures and discussions, group assignments, films, guest speakers, critical-writing assignments, and in-class as well as out-of-class assignments. It will be essential for you to take ownership of your learning experience.