Class attendance and participation

Attendance and participation are required for this course. Absence in more than two classes will harm your final grade, as will repeated failure to take part in class discussions and group exercises (in classroom and on Moodle). Come to class with the required readings (printed out or on laptop), having read and annotated them by their assigned dates. Attendance at Urban Studies lectures or other extracurricular events posted on the schedule is expected unless you have conflicting courses or required events.

A note about using technology in this course: I'm happy to let you use laptops and iPads to do the electronic readings and to take notes in class. Be conscientious when using these devices. If you find your reading comprehension suffers because you don't have a hard copy to write notes on, then print the electronic readings out. And please limit your use of laptops and iPads in the classroom to note-taking and internet browsing of course materials only. If your use of these technologies distracts yourself, other students or me, you'll be asked to turn off your wi-fi or your device.

Moodle responses

Each week, a third of the class will write 200-300 words reflecting on some part of that week's readings, from one selection to all the pieces we read for the whole week. These writings are to be posted onto Moodle by Sunday at 11:59pm, so that the rest of the class (instructor included) can read them before Tuesday's class.

Essay sets

On February 18, March 5, April 14 and May 5, you'll turn in a pair of essays (approximately 4-6 pages combined) that respond to questions drawn from the readings and lectures.

Book review

On May 12 (the last day of the study period), you'll write a 4-6 page review of classic and contemporary books in urban sociology from an approved list of titles. Your essay should situate this title within urban sociology's historical development and assess its contribution to the field's theoretical debates.