Classical Location Theory

Understanding and describing the location of business activities has long been a focus for urban planners, regional scientists, and economic geographers. This course traces the key theories and conceptual models that have been developed to explain why economic activities tend to locate where they do. To introduce and explain these theories, this course covers several foundational concepts in classical location theory, including agglomeration economies, bid-rent theory, locational triangulation, urban market areas, and Central Place Theory.

At the end of this course, you will understand the basic principles and economic theories that explain why businesses tend to locate where they do, and thus the spatial-economic structure of cities.