This is an introductory course that examines the evolution and economic function of cities, and significant factors that shape their growth and development from the perspective of European world cities, as a required course of the FYSA-Oxford Program. The class will use historic sites and urban systems as our interactive classroom to describe the development of urban and regional economies from economic, policy, and planning lenses. We will examine the impacts of technology, policy, and geography, and address questions related to sustainability. A key component of the class will be application of learned concepts and theories through engagement in the cities we visit.