The five units on American Urban Studies presented in this curriculum guide are designed to examine the development, present conditions, and alternatives for the future of urban areas. Major emphasis in these units is on contemporary urban problems and possibilities for their solution. The major objectives covered in this course outline are: (1) to be able to explain what constitutes an urban area; (2) to be able to trace the evolution of American urban areas; (3) to be able to identify changes in the characteristics of urban populations and the effects of the changes; (4) to be able to identify and explain the influence of technological changes on urban life; (5) to be able to list and explain a variety of current urban problems; and (6) to be able to compare and contrast the relative merits of some of the proposed solutions to contemporary urban problems. In addition, more specific objectives and the course content for each unit are outlined. Activities for helping students meet the objectives are described. Strategies suggested for implementing these activities include films, discussion questions, and educational games. The teacher's role in these activities is also discussed. A bibliography and a list of teacher resources are included. (EB)