SYLLABUS*
UrbanPolitics RU-MCCC 790:331:01
Thursday5:35pm – 8:35pm RAB #204
Mr. EdJohnson (732) 776-9890
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ELEMENTS OF GRADERESOURCE MATERIALS
Attendance (10pts total)Class Lecture/Guests
Class Participation (10pts total)Readings (Books & Other Sources)
10 Current Events (100pts total)Current Events Sources
1 Solutions Project (25pts total)Unique Sources
2 PopQuizzes (50pts total)Additional Materials
3 Tests (300 pts total)
2 Reaction Papers (50 pts total)
*Extra Credit (15pts total additional)
READING RESOURCES
The assigned textbook for this courses is Urban Politics: A Reader Stephen J McGovern, Editor. ISBN #9781506311197. Additional resources will include (but not limited to) class lectures, discussions, and assignments. Each student is responsible for securing access to reading resources which are clearly identified in the syllabus course schedule.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The first two sessions of this course will be interactive. Complete instructions will be emailed to students and posted on Blackboard learning management system. Students will participate in online lectures, international urban cities sessions, readings and assignments. The course will meet in regular session in RAB 204 beginning 9/22.
This is a writing intensive course. Students will study the structures and processes of City politics and public policy. Urban government and major urban problems such as finance, poverty, housing and economic development, education, crime, transportation, and the environment. Particular attention is given to these themes in the current political environment and atmosphere in a Presidential and Legislative election year and one-year prior to the next NJ Gubernatorial election. Topics include local, regional and state historical/current issues and challenges. Course activities will include (but not limited to) in-class lectures, class discussions, individual and group assignments and presentations. Additional activities will include out of class civic activities, assignments and readings.
INSTRUCTOR STATEMENT
In this course students will earn a grade. As such, there are expectations, responsibilities and assignments for which students will be held accountable. Excessive unexcused absence (3+ times) or sporadic attendance shall be grounds for automatic failure. PLEASE SILENCE CELL PHONES!
OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are by scheduled appointment only. Students should contact the instructor to schedule an in-person or tech-connect meeting as needed. *Email is the best method of contacting the instructor.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students are expected to adhere to Rutgers University standards and policies regarding Academic Integrity as related to their academic work and conduct. Violation of the Academic Integrity standards and policies may be grounds for appropriate sanction up to and including automatic failure of this course.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Students with special learning needs are strongly encouraged to see the instructor at the beginning of the term. All appropriate accommodations will be made at that time.
CLASSROOM CIVILITY
Open discussion and sharing of differing points of view are welcome in this classroom. As such, students are encouraged to express their ideas and be prepared to respectfully engage the ideas of others. Speaking without listening is not conducive to an open and thorough learning experience. Therefore, all students are expected to engage discussion as both active speakers and listeners, engaging fellow class members with a sense of respect and civility.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments are expected to be turned in by the due date (as outlined by the syllabus and the instructor). The instructor reserves the right to make decisions with regard to accepting late assignments and the point sanction that will be applied to late assignments.
GRADING STANDARD
510 - 545 = A
474 - 509 = B+
438 - 473 = B
402 - 437 = C+
366 - 401 = C
330 - 365 = D
329 & Below = F
PLEASE NOTE: *All class related information and materials will be regularly posted on BLACKBOARDand RU POLISCI on Facebook
CLASS SCHEDULE OUTLINE
Thursday, September 8:Interactive Session #1 (CHECK EMAIL & BLACKBOARD FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS)
Course Overview: Requirements & Responsibilities
Lecture: U.S. Cities in a Global Era
Finding Shared Solutions through Sister City Relationships
Assignment: Read Chapter #1. Current Event #1
Thursday, September 15:Interactive Session #2 (CHECK EMAIL & BLACKBOARD FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS)
Current Events #1 email submission
Lecture: The Global Parliament of Mayors 2016 Session
The Metropolitan Century: Urban America on the Rise
Homework:Read Chapter #2. Current Events #2.Study for Quiz #1
Thursday, September 22:QUIZ #1 Chapters #1 & #2
Current Events #2 (in session RAB #204)
Roundtable Discussion: Leveraging Global Connections for Urban Solutions
Lecture: Urban Politics in the 21st Century
Homework: Read Chapter #3. Current Events #3
Thursday, September 29:Current Events #3
Lecture: Urban Politics – Preindustrial, Machine & Reform
Homework: Read Chapter #4. Current Events #4
Thursday, October 6:Current Events #4
Lecture: Urban Politics – Preindustrial, Machine & Reform
Review for Test #1
Homework: Study for Test #1 Chapters #1 - #4 & Global Discussions
Thursday, October 13:Test #1
Homework: Research Politics in the City of Newark, New Jersey.
Current Events #5
Thursday, October 20:Current Events #5
Roundtable Discussion: Politics in the City of Newark, New Jersey
Film: “Street Fight”
Homework: Reaction Paper #1. Current Events #6
Thursday, October 27:Current Events #6
Roundtable Discussion: “Street Fight” Reaction Paper #1
Lecture: Suburbanization
Homework: Read Chapter #5 & #6.Define Gentrification. Current Events #7
Thursday, November 3:Interactive Quiz #2
Current Events #7
Roundtable Discussion: Defining Gentrification
Lecture: Rise of the Post Industrial City
2016 Presidential Election
Homework: Read Chapter(s) Link: Urban Economic Development
Watch 2016 Presidential Election Results
Thursday, November 10:Roundtable Discussion: 2016 Presidential Election Results
Lecture: Urban Economic Development
Review for Test #2
Homework: Study for Test #2 Chapters #5, #6, Election & Economic Development
Thursday, November 17:Test #2
Homework: Research “Influence, Power & Corruption”. Current Events #8
Read Chapter(s) Link The Metropolitan Sectors
Thursday, November 24:THANKSGIVING BREAK
Thursday, December 1:Current Events #8
Roundtable Discussion: Health in the Urban Age World Aids Day
Lecture: The Metropolitan Sectors
Film: “The Phenix City Story”
Homework: Reaction Paper #2. Read Chapter(s) Link The Metropolitan Sectors. Current Events #9
Thursday, December 8:Current Events #9
Roundtable Discussion: “The Phenix City Story” Reaction Paper #2
Review for Test #3
Homework: Study for Test #3 The Metropolitan Sectors & "TPCS"
Thursday, December 15:Test #3
Homework: Current Events #10. Prepare for Solutions Project Presentation
Thursday, December 22:Current Events #10
Solutions Project Presentations
FINAL CLASS SESSION