Many students with majors in the social sciences wish to focus their course work on the problems of cities. Participation in the Urban Studies specialization enables these students to pursue their interests in a more structured way, while at the same time completing all course work requirements in their own majors. Participation in the Urban Studies specialization in no way replaces a major. Rather, it provides a setting for students to choose their elective courses around urban themes, to meet students and faculty from other majors who share these concerns, and to participate in interdisciplinary Urban Studies seminars and field research.

Urban Community Development (Interdisciplinary Minor)

This interdisciplinary program is a minor designed to introduce students to a variety of topics and issues in urban community development. Students will be exposed to community-based local, national, and international social, political, and economic analyses, as well as to political figures, philosophies, theories, and movements. The minor is designed especially for students who wish to combine an interest in community development with majors such as African and African American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Latin American and Puerto Rican Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology.

Upcoming Events

November 16, 2026

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

English M.A. Information Session

Hope you will join us for this session!

November 18, 2026

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

TWELFTH NIGHT : A Musical Adaptation of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub

Named one of the best theatrical productions of 2018 by Time, The Hollywood Reporter and The Washington Post, Twelfth Night is a rousing contemporary musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy about mistaken identity and self-discovery. Featuring an original jazz-funk score by Shaina Taub.

December 11, 2026

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Blood Wedding Auditions

Blood Wedding by Federico García Lorca in a version translated by the legendary Langston Hughes and adapted by Melia Bensussen. Internationally celebrated poet, playwright, and theatre director, García Lorca penned this powerful tragedy, weaving elements of Spanish folklore, Andalusian flamenco and Gypsy culture, and cante jondo, or “deep song,” while exploring themes of romantic love and tragedy.

December 11, 2026

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Spring Dance Concert Auditions

No need to prepare anything, just come ready to dance! Choreographers will teach short phrases in a variety of styles. All Lehman students are welcome to audition.