This syllabus is
subject to change without notice. Contact the professor for most recent
changes.
17-88-100-04 Introduction to the City (Eve) Tues.6:00-8:45 p.m
Morris Ha11 206
Instructor: Dr.
Janet Cherrington f:100syllabus\Teve\S00\
Office: 106b Morris
Hall
Phone/Voice Mail: 507-389-5031
Office Hours: As
posted on my office door. I also encourage you to visit with me during the
semester.
E-mail: janet.cherrington@mankato.msus.edu
Web Bulletin Board:
http://ea.lib.mankato.msus.edu.introtothecity
Announces
weekly updates & course changes.
Text:
Cities and Urban
Life, Macionis,
John I. and Vincent N. Parrillo
Other Required
Supplies:
Introduction to
the City, Class Notes
(available at the Morris Hall Copy Shop)
Field Projects print outs (available at the Morris Hall
Copy Shop)
Acco Grip Binder (use for all returned
assignments)
Some supplies for
class presentation, e.g., film, posterboard, etc.
Course Objectives:
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 be able to critically evaluate the role 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 compare and contrast global urbanization in Latin America, Africa,
Asia, and the
To understand the basic principles of urban planning and how cities
operate.
To enhance my skills in working with small groups, writing and oral
communication.
Instructional
Methods and Teaching Strategies:
A variety of
techniques will be employed including lecture, guest speakers, audiovisual
presentations, group activities, discussion, student presentations and writing
up field experiences. The emphasis of this course will be on examining how and
why cities offer opportunities and problems. Therefore, in order to understand
cities, you will need to read the appropriate textbook sections about them and
also engage in some abstract thinking about them.