Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
Cleveland State University
UST 301: URBAN SPATIAL SYSTEMS
Room UB 13, MTWR, 10:00am-11:40am
SUMMER 2000: May 15-June 23

Professor: Doreen Swetkis
Office: UB 112
Hours: M-R, 11:45am to 1:00pm (immediately following class) or by appointment.
Phone: 687-2136
E-mail: swetk54@urban.csuohio.edu

The notion of systems has become very important to our understanding of science, society, and organization. The systems model aids in comprehending the constant interaction between numerous systems operating within the city, and in trying to plan for its future. This course is designed to give the student an overview of the various systems operating within urban and regional areas and to apply these models to urbanism around the globe.

Brunn, S. D. and Williams, J. F. (Eds.). (1993). Cities of the World. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

The mid-term and final exam questions will be drawn from the text, additional materials distributed in class, guest speaker presentations, and lectures.

Class participation is expected, and accounts for 10% of your final grade. Class participation is judged by quality as well as quantity, and should reflect that you have read the material(s) assigned. Attendance will be taken each class period. Only one unexcused absence will be permitted for the entire 6-week term. Because we are condensing 15 weeks’ worth of material into the 6-week summer semester, it is imperative that you stay current with the readings and assignments.

Short papers (4 total): 10% each
Mid-term Exam: 20%
Final Exam: 30%
Class Participation: 10%

There are four papers assigned for this class. The due date for each paper can be found in the Course Outline & Reading Assignments section of this syllabus. Each paper should be 3-4 pages, typed, and double-spaced. All research materials should be cited at the end of the paper following guidelines in an acceptable manual of style (e.g., Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, or Chicago Manual of Style). You are welcome to use in-class materials and your text to help you with your paper, but I expect at least 3 additional sources cited for each paper. These additional sources must be legitimate and scholarly. Other topics are acceptable, but must relate to a particular system discussed in class, and must be approved by the professor prior to turning in the paper.

Because of the accelerated pace of the summer semester, papers will automatically drop one letter grade for each day they are late. For example, your first paper is due on Tuesday, May 23; if you turn the paper in on May 24, the highest grade you can receive is a B. Each paper is worth 10% of your grade for the course. Choose one topic for your paper from each of the following sections:

Topic Choices for First Paper:
The Transportation System in Europe
The Economic System in Taiwan, Japan, or China

Topic Choices for Second Paper:
The English School System
Criminal Justice System in Poland
Political Leadership in the Former Soviet Union

Topic Choices for Third Paper:
Religious Practices in Australia
Environmental Threats in Latin America
The Media in South Africa

Topic Choices for Fourth Paper:
Electrical Power in India
Taxation in Viet Nam
Futuristic Housing Ideas

Each class will focus on a particular urban system and a particular region of the world. In addition to the assigned text readings, additional materials may also be assigned and distributed in class. I expect you to have read the materials assigned before each class.

5/15 Introduction/Overview of Course

5/16 Economic System

Computer Lab Research Workshop (if needed)

Brunn & Williams, World Urban Development (Chapter 1)

5/17 Transportation System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of the U.S. and Canada (Chapter 2)

5/18 Guest Speaker: Dr. William Bowen

5/22 Educational System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of Western Europe (Part I, Chapter 3)

5/23 Judicial System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of Eastern Europe (Part II, Chapter 3)

5/24 Political System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of the Former Soviet Union (Chapter 4)

5/25 Guest Speaker: Dr. Virginia Benson

5/29 Memorial Day (Observed), No Class

5/30 Social System: Culture and Religion

Brunn & Williams, Cities of Oceania (Chapter 5)

2^nd Paper Due (10%)

5/31 Environmental System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of Latin America (Chapter 6)

6/01 Guest Speaker: Dr. Wendy Kellogg

6/05 Mid-Term Exam (20%)

6/06 Information System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of Sub-Saharan Africa (Chapter 7)

6/07 Human Health System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of the Middle East and North Africa (Chapter 8)

6/08 Guest Speaker: Professor Sylvester Murray

6/12 Services Delivery System

6/13 Taxation System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of Southeast Asia (Chapter 10)

3^rd Paper Due (10%)

6/14 Housing System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of East Asia (Chapter 11)

6/15 Guest Speaker: Professor Norman Krumholz

6/19 Parks and Recreational System

Brunn & Williams, Cities of the Future (Chapter 12)

6/20 United States Urban System

Urban Systems Worldwide

4^th Paper Due (10%)

6/21 Review for Final Exam

6/22 No class

6/23 Final Exam (30%)