Urban Studies Course List (Spring 2012)
URBS V2200 - Introduction to GIS (Does not fulfill any major requirements)
Prof. Daniel Sheehan, Mondays/Wednesdays 10:35am–11:50am
Due to the high demand for our limited-enrollment spatial analysis course (URBS V3200) the Urban Studies program is offering an introductory course to the fundamentals of GIS (Geographic Informational Systems), specifically for non-majors. Students create maps using ArcGIS software, analyze the physical and social processes presented in the digital model, and use the data to solve specific spatial analysis problems. Note: this course does not fulfill the C requirement in Urban Studies.
URBS V3200 - GIS Methods & Case Studies (C methods course)
Prof. James Connolly, Tuesdays/Thursdays 10:35am–11:50am
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. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
Must attend first class for instructor permission. Preference is given to Urban Studies majors. Only 24 students admitted.
URBS V3565 – Cities in Developing Countries (B course in Urban Studies)
Prof. Susan Gladstone, Mondays 2:10pm–4:00pm
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.
Must attend first class for instructor permission. Preference to Urban Studies majors.
URBS V3830 - Eminent Domain and Neighborhood Change (A course in Sociology)
Prof. Debbie Becher, Tuesdays 2:10pm–4pm
An examination of how the politics of eminent domain, as a government strategy for neighborhood change, plays out in the courts, city councils, administrative agencies, media, and the street. Readings drawn from law, history, planning, politics, economics, sociology, and primary sources. Emphasis on the U.S., with some international comparisons.
Prerequisites: Intro to Urban Sociology or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
URBS V3550 - Community Building and Economic Development (A course in Political Science)
Prof. Liz Abzug, Wednesdays 11am–12:50pm
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 V3546 - Contemporary Urban Issues (E course Junior Colloquium)
Prof. Flora Davidson, section 1, Tuesdays 4:10pm–6pm
Prof. Flora Davidson, section 2, Wednesdays 2:10pm–4pm
Prof. Liz Abzug, section 3, Wednesdays 4:10pm–6pm
Evaluation of current political, economic, social, cultural and physical forces that are shaping urban areas.
Non-majors admitted by permission of instructor. Students must attend first class for permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 16 students per section.
Senior seminars in process (year-long courses; no new students will be admitted)
URBS V3993 - The Built Environment
Prof. James Connolly, Wednesdays 4:10pm–6pm
URBS V3995 - NY Field Research
Prof. Meredith Linn, Wednesdays 4:10pm–6pm
URBS 3997 - International Topics in Urban Studies
Prof. Susan Gladstone, Mondays 11am–12:50pm
