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As centers of power, innovation, growth and dynamism, cities have long created identities for entire countries and even regions. They have attracted those who come in search of jobs, education and a chance at making good on a dream and been havens for those fleeing violence and persecution. But from Baltimore and Cape Town to Paris and Rio, the consequence of urban poverty, inequality, exclusion and vulnerability have come into sharp focus this year. It’s becoming evident that upward mobility is becoming a distant dream for many who remain trapped in intergenerational poverty in even the wealthiest cities. Weak and underfunded local governments which struggle to protect their citizens during disease epidemics and natural disasters must contend with additional climate change related vulnerabilities. But in the midst of all the chaos and turmoil, individuals hold on to signs of progress and change; making daily sacrifices so that their children will have a shot at a better future. In this class we examine how urbanization is unfolding in middle and low-income countries in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, looking specifically at the causes and consequences of vulnerability including patterns of migration, informality and access to services. We critically examine the incentives and capacity of local governments to provide services to the poor by studying municipal budgets and new pro-poor financing models. We look at case studies of innovative solutions offered by entrepreneurial individuals and civic groups to the challenges that they see in their own communities. In the final classes we study the issues of informality and unemployment in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa; migration and industrialization in East and South Asia; and inequality and violence in the Americas. <a href="http://bit.ly/1bebp5s" target="_blank">Click here to see evaluations, syllabi, and faculty bios</a>