This course deals with issues of growth and development of urban communities with reference to migration patterns, ecological patterns of land use, social control and history. We will explore and analyze the impact of democracy and capitalism on the urban city of the 20th and 21st Century. This class will also cover theory as it relates to issues of inequity that are systemically interwoven in the maintenance of many urban structures; namely, racism, sexism, heterosexism (etc) and their manifestations.
Course Competencies: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to understand: •Historical Context of how cities have been developed •Introduction to Critical Race Theory as it relates to the development of urban sociology and urban studies •Introduction to Intersectionality, Critical Pedagogy, Critical Thinking and Social Movement building within urban communities locally in the bay area •Applied analysis of contemporary social problems within urban communities across the United States •Analysis of race, gender, sexuality, citizenship (U.S.), global citizenry and other social identities as it relates to the experience of inequity within our social system •Exploration of capitalism and it’s impact on urban communities •Social norms in urban communities and cities across the U.S.
Assignments
Process for Evaluation:
Attendance/Participation 20% (125 points) Storytelling Journals (weekly) 28% (175 points) (25 POINTS EACH) Sociological Analysis Paper 12% (75 points) Final Project 12% (75 points) (MUST ATTEND TWO COMMUNITY EVENTS TO COMPLETE FINAL PROJECT) Exam 1 12% (75 points) Exam 2 16% (100 points)