This course combines an analysis of theoretical issues relative to urbanization and rural development with a comparative study of these processes in different countries including China. It explores issues regarding urban and rural development policy, social life between city and suburb, the sociology of housing, the sociology of settlements, gentrification, etc. It also examines theories and development patterns in the capitalist societies of Europe and USA, the Third World, and China. Issues related to the environment and urban planning are considered and special attention is given to the study of patterns of urbanization and rural development in China.