This course combines historical narratives/documents, on-site observations, and statistical analyses to bring a specific set of Chinese cities (Shanghai and Hong Kong) to the fore of sociological analyses. Students are guided to read literatures in social science disciplines (primarily from sociology) on globalization, population and migration/immigration, inequalities/poverty, class, gender and family, neighborhood and housing, and urban social life and culture, to develop comparative and analytical frameworks to account for the similarities and differences between the two Chinese cities and beyond, and to gain contextual and deep understanding of social changes in China from the perspective of cities. After taking this course, students will be equipped with the historical background, comparative perspectives, and analytical skills to analyze complex issues in urban transformation and its impact on human life in the two cities. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. Fulfillment: Core SSPC/IPC; Social Science focus Sociology or Urban Studies 200 level.