Instructor: Betty K. Pinkney Location: Main Classroom 402
Office: Urban Affairs Building Rm. Time: T. Th. 6-7:50 p.m.
Phone: 687-2136 Credits: 4
Office Hr: (By appointment) E-mail: Bkpinkney@aol.com

This course examines urban issues in America. The course provides an overview of the experiences and challenges facing urban dwellers in particular African Americans. The students will examine social, economic, political and physical aspects of contemporary urban life, focusing on attitudes related to poverty, employment, education, crime, and political participation. The significance of race and its affect on these various aspects of urban life will be considered. During the course students will have an opportunity to explore: (1) the past, present and future life of urban dwellers; (2) how group attitudes and biases affect inter-group relations; (3) one’s own attitudes and understandings of the issues causing and affecting urban conditions; (4) how government and political policies shape and impact urban conditions; and (5) approaches for resolving contemporary issues.

1. Through readings and discussions, students will examine major problems facing our urban areas, their identified causes and suggested methods for resolving the problems.
2. 2. Emphasis will be directed on African Americans and the experiences and challenges they face as residents, political participants, and leaders in urban centers. We will consider social and economic relationships and attitudes about and between black and white urban dwellers.
3. Students will have an opportunity to increase their analytical and critical thinking skills. The course will also enable students to improve their research and writing skills.
4. We will analyze policies that effect urban living and discuss possible solutions for problems experienced in urban living.
5. It is hoped that the readings and exchange of ideas will cause students to examine and change or broaden their own concepts of race relations, poverty and urban dwelling.
6. Upon successful completion of this course students will fulfill an African American Experience requirement and the University’s Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

The course will consist of lectures, guest speakers, audiovisual presentations, student small group discussions, and student presentations. Students will complete the following assignments in a timely manner.

1. Prepare all assigned reading and be prepared to participate in class discussions.
2. All students will actively participate in small group discussions based on handouts or assigned sections of the text.
3. Each student is to attend a meeting of city council, school board, or other public meeting in his/her community. A three-page paper will be due on or before March 16, 2000 summarizing issues, participants, and your critique.
4. Periodic quizzes.
5. Midterm examination.
6. Research paper.
7. Final examination.
8. Guest lectures (where possible).

Each student will write a research paper based upon an urban issue affecting Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, or Ohio. You may select a topic identified in your textbook, Urban Society, 9^th Edition. The issue is to be identified, researched and discussed adhering to the following.

1. Papers are to be 10-12 pages in length. They are to be doubles spaced, using a 12-point font size print.
2. No handwritten papers will be accepted.
3. In addition to the 10-12 ;pages of text, the papers are to contain:

1. Title Page (Unnumbered page)
2. Abstract of overview of the paper
3. Bibliography (at least 7 references, not more than 2 from the Internet)
4. Margins and method of citing must adhere to an identified writer’s manual
5. Appendix (charts, graphs, maps, etc.)- optional, not required

1. The text should identify: an issue; its causes; suggested remedies (based on research); and student’s critique
2. Each student will make a 10 minute formal presentation of his or her paper to the class. (Presentations – weeks 12, 13, 14)

1. Research papers will be graded based on substance, quality of research, spelling, grammar, proper citations and appearance.

• Look for ideas in the news. Start a clippings file on an issue or policy.
• Check your paper for correct grammar and spelling (mistakes will cost you points)
• Have someone proof your paper.
• Cite references properly
• If you need help, contact the CSU Writing Center and the Library Instruction Department.

March 2 Midterm

March 5-12 Spring Break

April 4 Research Paper Due

• Regular class attendance is expected
• Action will be taken on any plagiarized papers.
• Students are encouraged to bring to class current events (newspaper, magazine, periodicals, etc.) related to urban issues, for discussion.
• For Add/Drop.Withdrawal policies refer to the University Undergraduate Bulletin.
• No make-up quizzes, presentations or examination dates will be extended (Instructor retains discretion to grant make-up only in extreme emergencies).

Urban Society, 9^th Edition, Siegel, Fred & Jan Rosenberg (Dushkin/McGraw-Hill; Connecticut), 1999

Handouts given by the instructor

• Research Paper & Presentation 25%
• Midterm 15%
• Final Exam 15%
• Quizzes 15%
• Group Discussions & Presentations 10%
• 3-Page Report on Public meeting 10%
• Class Participation (instructor’s discretion) 10%

90% - 100% ………… A

80% - 89% …………. B

70% - 79% …….…… C

60% - 60% …….…… D

0% - 59% ……….… F

Anyone requiring special accommodations due to schedule conflicts, physical challenges or learning disabilities please see instructor by end of the second week of classes.

Topic and Articles

January 18 & 20 The Urban Frame

1, 2

January 25 & 27 City History/Future

3, 4, 34, 36 Speaker-Alice Smith, Lib.

February 1 & 3 Bases of Power –

Speaker – Atty Charles Patton

Week 4

February 8 & 10 Government

6, 13, 25, 36 Comm. Jane Campbell

Week 5

February 15 & 17 Policy Innovations

8, 17, 18, 20 Speaker Prof. Mittie Chandler

Week 6

February 22 & 24 Economic Development

7, 9, 11, 13, 35

Speaker - Hon. S. T. Jones

February 29 & Empowerment Zones

March 2 19, 24

MIDTERM

March 7 & 9 SPRING BREAK

March 14 & 16 Crime

29,30,31,36

Hand out

Speaker Judge Janet Burnside

March 21 & 23 Schools

28 and Handouts

Speaker – State Sen. Eric Fingerhut

March 28 & 30 Poverty

2, 6, 22, 26

Speaker – Dr. Wornie Reed

April 4 & 6 Human Welfare

PRESENTATIONS

32, 36

Speakers – Magistrate Floyd,

Court Domestic Relations &

Atty. Larry Floyd-Children & Fam. Services

Week 13 Class Presentations

April 11 & 13

Week 14 Presentations

April 18 & 20

Week 15 Social Issues & Race

April 25 & 27 12, 16,18, 21, 22

Speaker – Myron Robinson,

Dir. Cleveland Urban League