Urban Affairs
Note: the courses on this page reflect Summer Term 2008 offerings.
Please check back on December 15 for a list of courses available during Summer Term 2009.
Metropolitan College
MET UA 301 Introduction to Urban Affairs
An interdisciplinary approach to urban affairs and urban problems, including
an overview of prominent theories about the nature and causes of urban problems.
Examines the metropolitan area as a complex system with interdependent institutions
and problems and considers present as well as future urban policy options in
areas such as housing, transportation, crime, education, environment, and economic
development. 4 cr.
Top
MET UA 510 Special Topics: Non-Profits and Land Use Development
Explores the unique land use and economic development
issues linked to non-profit institutions such as hospitals, universities, public
agencies/authorities, as well as cultural and religious institutions. Particular
attention is paid to the relationship between the tax status and land
use patterns of non-profits and their broader impact on social equity, labor
markets and community relations. 4 cr.
Top
MET UA 510 Special Topics: International Comparative Urbanization
and Planning
Analyzes the complex process of contemporary urbanization
and globalization by comparing and contrasting the socio-economic and political
issues facing cities in the global North and South. Explores the
diverse ways in which cities in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa
confront such issues as drastic demographic changes, infrastructure deficits,
environmental degradation, and competition for scarce economic resources. The
course is designed as an introduction to the study of cities and the planning
profession. 4 cr.
Top
MET UA 510 Special Topics: Boston’s North End: From Colonial
Center to Immigrant Theme Park
A socio-cultural history of Boston’s North End that surveys
changes in the region from the colonial period to the present. Analysis is centered
on the dynamics of culture change among North End’s
Italian immigrants. Examines the causes of immigration conflicts and competition
with Irish immigrants, the importance of religious societies and festivals as
an expression of anticlerical Catholicism, kinship and regional factors in residential
distribution, the context, content, the influence of W.F. Whyte’s Street
Corner Society, myths and realities of the Boston Mafia, the impact of drugs
and
drug related youth violence in the 1980s, and the changes brought about through
gentrification, demographic change, and economic stratification. Also
examines the re-creation of the North End as an Italian style neighborhood through
studies of tourism, the marketing of ethnic cuisine and lifestyle, and research
on ethnic theme parks. Utilizes historical documents and studies of the
colonial period, sociological analyses of immigration and urban communities,
current research on gentrification, development, and tourism. Course includes
two visits to the North End. 4 cr.
Top
MET UA 523 Grantsmanship: Skills and Techniques in Urban Affairs
An exploration of the various methods of attaining necessary capital
for economic development, including both private financing through venture
capital, and public financing. Topics range from local incentives such as enterprise
zones and revolving loan funds, to collaborative strategies for the financing
of neighborhood business. Special situations are also reviewed including
methods used to finance tourism, sports facilities, retail and industrial growth,
and environmental improvement. Students gain experience in both grant
writing techniques and in the preparation of proposals for either public or
private financing. 4 cr.
Top
MET UA 702 Urban Analytical Methods
Use and analysis of quantitative data in public policy development
and planning. Basic skills of organization and presentation of numerical information.
Introduction to descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, and
regression; computer use. Math review.
4 cr.
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Courses of Related Interest
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