Conceptual and critical thinking is essential for understanding the processes of production and reproduction of urban space. Critical theoretical speculations have been fundamental for the ways urbanists have thought about the constitution, construction, and future of cities. In this course, students examine how such urban theoretical narratives are created and presented, and the impact they have had on urban practice since the mid-19th century. Students will also focus on specific approaches to the development of contemporary theories of urbanism, and subsequently articulate their own theoretical readings and models for speculating on the nature of contemporary urban phenomena, processes, practices as well as structures and forms. Urban Theory Lab is a required course for students in the MA Theories of Urban Practice and the MS Design and Urban Ecologies programs.