This course conveys an introduction into methods of urban research in social sciences through lectures and accompanying exercises. It treats the basic principles of scientific research, literature research, different forms of participant observation, qualitative interviews (expert interviews and ethnographic interviews), and the analysis of urban qualities.

Sociology I investigates the relation between social developments and the production of the built environment from a macro-sociological point of view. It examines central aspects of social change, historical and contemporary forms of urbanization, and typical examples of models of urbanization.

Sociology II presents current perspectives and methods in urban studies. Part I introduces historical and ongoing processes in Zurich (Christian Schmid), examines the topics of public space and housing (Hannah Widmer); part II presents postcolonial perspectives in urban studies (Nitin Bathla).