UST 301 - URBAN SYSTEMS
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Virginia Benson
Office: UB 106
Phone: 687-2164
E-mail: virginia@urban.csuohio.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The notion of systems has become very important to understanding science and society at the end of the twentieth century. The systems model aids in comprehending the interactive nature of the physical urban landscape as well as interpreting the social institutions that operate within the city. Employing this theoretical instrument often improves the ability to predict and plan for the future. This course is designed to give the student an overview of the various systems operating within the urban and regional framework and to apply these models to urbanism around the globe.

COURSE GRADING

In addition to the course text, the student will be assigned outside readings or receive handouts in the class. All information disseminated in class, through lectures by the instructor or visiting speakers, films and assigned readings will form the basis for the exams.

Grades will be determined by the midterm exam (25%) class discussion (10%), short essay papers (25%) and the final exam (40%). The class discussion will allow the instructor the opportunity to determine what students have learned in the first half so it is important to participate especially in the review period. For this reason, class attendance is expected unless excused for sufficient reason.

COURSE TEXT:

Brunn, Stanley D. and Jack F. Williams. Cities of the World. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.

2

COURSE OUTLINE

Each of the 15 weeks of the course will focus on a particular urban system and a particular region of the world.

Week One: Economic System

Brunn, World Urban Development

Week Two: Transportation System

Brunn, Cities of the U.S. and Canada

Week Three: Educational System

Brunn, Cities of Western Europe

Week Four: Judicial System

Brunn, Cities of Eastern Europe

Week Five: Political System

Brunn, Cities of the Former Soviet Union

Week Six: Social System: Culture and Religion

Brunn, Cities of Oceania

Week Seven: Environmental System: The EPA

Brunn, Cities of Latin America

Week Eight: Information System: The Media

Brunn, Cities of Sub-Saharan Africa

Week Nine: Human Health System

Brunn, Cities of the Middle East and North Africa

Week Ten: Service Delivery System

Brunn, Cities of South Asia

Week Eleven: Taxation System

Brunn, Cities of Southeast Asia

2

Week Twelve: Park and Recreational System

Brunn, Cities of East Asia

Week Thirteen: Housing System

Brunn, Cities of the Future

Week Fourteen: Urban System in the U.S.

Wrap-up and Review

Week Fifteen: Urban Systems Worldwide

Final Exam

COURSE WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

This class will not meet on Fridays but students will be expected to go to the Library and research a topic and write a short (2 pp.) essay on the topic each week of the semester (a total of 12 such essays). These essays will be handed in on Mondays and will be graded and returned to the student on Wednesdays. The papers must be typed and all research materials should be completely cited at the end of the paper. Internet sources may be used no more than three times. The essay paper topics are listed below.

Week Two - The Canal Era in the United States

Week Three - The English School System

Week Four - Criminal Justice System in Poland

Week Five - Political Leadership in the Former Soviet Union

Week Six - Religious Practice in Australia

Week Seven - Environmental Threats in Latin America

Week Eight - The Media in South Africa

Week Nine - The Hospital System in Egypt

Week Ten - Electrical Power in India

Week Eleven - Taxation in Viet Nam

WWeek Twelve - Camping Out in Japan

Week Thirteen - Futuristic Housing Ideas