This syllabus is subject to change without notice. Contact the professor for most recent changes.

17-88-100-03 Introduction to the City

M-W-F 11:00-11:50

Morris Hall 206

Instructor: Dr. J.E. Cherrington (Dr. “J”)

Office: 106b Morris Hall Phone/Voice Mail: 507-389-5031

Office Hours: See my personal web site for semester posted office hours. Also anytime, by appointment or I am usually in my office before class.

E-mail: janet.cherrington@mnsu.edu

Personal web page: http://www.intech.mnsu.edu/cherrington

Web Bulletin Board: http://www.intech.mnsu.edu/cherrington/discussion/introtothecity

(The bulletin board is a convenient way for you to check weekly assignments and/or any course syllabus updates/changes.)

Text:

Cities and Urban Life, Macionis, John I. and Vincent N. Parrillo

Funky Towns USA, Cramer, Mark

Other Required Supplies:

Intro to the City, 17-88-100-[sec. no] Field Project packet - Morris Hall Copy Shop

Course Objectives:

To understand the basic principles of urban planning and how cities operate.
To understand the influence of geography, history, sociodemographic, economic and political characteristics on the city.
To become knowledgeable about the origins and development of the world’s cities.
To understand the evolution of North American cities from the 1600s to present day.
To learn theories and applications of urban sociology and social psychology.
To critically evaluate the roles of geography and ecology in urban spatial patterns.
To analyze the urban political economy bases on the works of urban economist through history.
To compare and contrast urban and suburban lifestyles through the works of urban sociologists.
To understand the role of race, ethnicity and gender in the urban environment.
To identify and understand urban problems including the issues of crime and housing.
To critically analyze the quality of life in large and small cities based on a revolutionary methodology for rating places based on their originality.
To develop a sense of the city in which MSU is located and compare and contrast this with other cities.

Personal Skill Development Goals: In addition to the course outcomes, you will

· develop your creative and critical thinking powers in addressing problems and opportunities.

· develop personal communication skills, both written and oral.

· improve you ability to work with technology and to interact with others in a team approach.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate qualified students with disabilities. If you are a student with a documented disability, please see me as early in the semester as possible to discuss the necessary accommodations and/or contact the Disability Services Office at (507) 389-2825 (V) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY)