URBS V 3310x Science and Technology in Urban Environments

Examines the role of science and technology in urban settings, using examples from modern cities. Explores how technology shapes towns and cities, and how urban environments - including politics, economics, culture, and the natural environment - have influenced the development, acceptance, and application of technology. An essential part of the coursework is participation in a community-based learning project, working with local non-profit organizations.
Prerequisites: Students must have declared their concentration/major.
3 points

URBS V 3410x Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration in Urban America

Examines contemporary urban diversity, with a focus on race relations, ethnic identity, and the impact of new immigration patterns, as well as social processes such as community formation, globalization, and gentrification.
General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC). Not offered in 2009-2010.
3 points

URBS V 3420y Introduction to Urban Sociology

Examines the diverse ways in which sociology has defined and studied cities, focusing on the people who live and work in the city, and the transformations U.S. cities are undergoing today. Sociological methods, including ethnography, survey research, quantitative studies, and participant observation will provide perspectives on key urban questions such as street life, race, immigration, globalization, conflict, and redevelopment.

URBS V 3460y Race, Gender, and Urban Violence

From lynching to riots to police brutality, this course will examine shifting ideas about race and gender associated with urban violence. From an historical perspective, the course will consider the political and cultural contexts of urban violence, as well as the causes and effects. Areas of particular focus will include race riots, urban crime, policing, black political activism, mass media, consumer culture, and the myths and realities of interracial rape. - D. Mellis
3 points

URBS V 3200x or y Spatial Analysis: GIS Methods and Urban Case Studies

Introduction to spatial analysis using state of-the-art GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping and analysis software to apply quantitative analytical methods to real-world urban issues. Will include basic coverage of applied statistics. Case studies will focus on subjects like environmental justice, voting patterns, transportation systems, segregation, public health, redevelopment trends, and socio-economic geography.

URBS V 3530y Urban Development: A Rubik's Cube of Policy Choices

Using case studies, examines the rationale for urban development, the players involved and how decisions are made about the distribution of public and private resources. Studies the specific components of the development process and the myriad policy questions that large-scale development is meant to address. Examines the disconnect among stakeholders' objectives - the developer, the financial institution that pays for the project, the government and the community.

URBS V 3545x Junior Colloquium: the Shaping of the Modern City

Introduction to the historical process and social consequences of urban growth, from the middle of the nineteenth century to the present.

URBS V 3546y Junior Colloquium: Contemporary Urban Issues

Evaluation of current political, economic, social, cultural and physical forces that are shaping urban areas.

URBS V 3550x Community Building and Economic Development

Community building has emerged as an important approach to creating an economic base, reducing poverty and improving the quality of life in urban neighborhoods. In this course, students examine the methods, strategies, and impact of community building on the economic, social, and political development of urban neighborhoods.

URBS V 3560x The Urban Planning Process: Land-Use Planning in the U.S.

Readings and discussion focusing on the basic processes of urban planning, from the creation of master plans to narrower planning topics including zoning boards, planning to alleviate housing shortages, use of property tax incentives, recent smart growth initiatives, and historic preservation rules.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and departmental approval. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Not offered in 2009-2010.
4 points

URBS V 3565x Cities in Developing Countries: Problems and Prospects

Examination of cities in developing countries, with a focus on environment, employment, and housing. Four cases will be studied: Sao Paulo, Brazil; Johannesburg, South Africa; Bombay, India; and Shanghai, China. We will consider urbanization patterns and the attendant issues, the impact of global economic trends, and governmental and non-governmental responses.

URBS BC 3590x or y Theorizing Civic Engagement

Through a combination of community�based internship, directed reflection, and theoretical readings, students explore the complexities of civic engagement. Issues include: community empowerment; public policy at the grassroots; the relationship between funding and social change; communication and coalition�building across differences of race, gender, class; and leadership development.

URBS V 3810y Production, Consumption, and Control of Public Space

Study of streets, parks, benches, plazas, mass transit, and retail centers, to develop a critical assessment of the social production, planning, regulation, and uses of public space.
Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to 16 students, by application to the department. Must attend first class meeting, when instructor will finalize enrollment. General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC). Not offered in 2009-2010.
4 points

URBS V 3820y Suburbs: Race, Class, Conflict

Half of the US, including 30 percent of African Americans, live in the suburbs. This seminar will consider the suburbs as diverse sites of race, class, and gender conflicts, with particular attention to the experiences of African American middle class suburbanites, as well as Asian and Latino immigrants, and the recent growth of suburban poverty. How are class-and race-based conflicts reshaped by the suburban landscape? How are ethnic cultural identities reformed by the suburban experience?
Not offered in 2009-2010.
4 points

URBS V 3920y Social Entrepreneurship

Introduction to the main concepts and processes associated with the creation of new social enterprises, policies, programs, and organizations; criteria for assessing business ventures sponsored by non-profits and socially responsible initiatives undertaken by corporations; specific case studies using New York City as a laboratory.

URBS V 3992x-V3993y Senior Seminar: the Built Environment

Emphasizes the study of the built environment of cities and suburbs, and the related debates. Readings, class presentations, and written work culminate in major individual projects, under the supervision of faculty trained in architecture, urban design, or urban planning.

URBS V 3994x-V3995y Senior Seminar: New York Field Research

Using New York City as a research laboratory, under the guidance of the faculty coordinator, students clarify basic theoretical issues related to their chosen research problem; find ways of making a series of empirical questions operational; collect evidence to test hypotheses; analyze the data using a variety of social science techniques; and produce reports of basic findings.

URBS V 3996x-V3997y Senior Seminar: International Topics in Urban Studies

A year-long research seminar for students who wish to conduct a senior thesis project that focuses on cities outside of the United States. Topics relating to the rapid urbanization of Latin America, Africa, and Asia are particularly welcome. Seminar meetings will include discussion of relevant readings, as well as occasional class presentations and peer-editing assignments.