PSCI 217(F) Urban Politics

This course is an historical and contemporary examination of the politics of cities. Instead of viewing urban politics as a set of problems to solved, we will investigate political relationships and the impact of social, economic, and technological change on the distribution of power. Topics will include the rise and historical development of cities (urban machines and Progressive era reforms), segregation and spatial politics, the impact of suburbanization, the development of grassroots organizations and interethnic coalitions responding to these challenges in the arenas of poverty, education, and environmental racism, and the contemporary impact of immigrants and gentrification on politics in cities. We will examine several case studies that illustrate how economic, global population shifts, and technological change have influenced social movements and political change in contemporary urban America. Requirements: three 6- to 8-page papers. No prerequisites. Open to first-year students and all students. American Politics Subfield

Hour: SHERIDAN