MA Comprehensive Exam in Urban Sociology
Department of Sociology
Sample Exam Questions:
1. Briefly discuss the following concepts in the field of urban sociology: a) index of dissimilarity; b) gentrification; c) natural areas, and d) doubling. Second, critically demonstrate the importance of each in urban research.
2. Compare and contrast the human ecological approach and the urban political economy approach in understanding urban issues.
3. Carefully examine how the patterns of urbanization differ between industrialized and developing countries. Second, discuss in detail the reasons for the differences.
4. Trace the continuities and changes between ancient to industrialized to global cities. Based on your analysis, what conclusions would you draw and why?
5. Briefly discuss Louis Wirth’s
(1938) thesis of “Urbanism as a Way of Life.” Second, critically demonstrate
the sociological relevance of his thesis for the study of contemporary
6. Describe “urban sprawl” and
“suburbanization” in the