Bachelor of Arts in American Urban Studies

Course Offerings

The first two semesters focus on helping students master basic college skills, as well as critical thinking, effective writing, and using technology. Commencing in the third semester, and throughout the remaining semesters, students are required to engage in an internship experience of seven hours weekly.

Credits Bachelor of Arts in American Urban Studies Course Offerings

Semester 1

Introduction to College Writing (ENG 110) (3 credits)
Students are introduced to patterns of development, summary and paraphrase, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of multiple sources drawn from a variety of cultural and intellectual contexts. They learn to write and structure essays consisting of five paragraphs or more and develop a thesis statement through focused paragraphs, clear arguments with supporting evidence, and effective conclusions.
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Latin for Writers (LAT 110) (3 credits)
Through careful reading, translation, and analysis of Latin sentences, students acquire the knowledge and ability to analyze and describe a sentence as a structure of logical relationships and to effectively gauge their own use of the written word. Other areas include: the influence of Latin on the development of English vocabulary and its use today (in law, science, and education), Roman history and the influence of Roman culture on the development of Western literacy and civilization.
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Constructive Action Practicum: Computer Applications and Information Literacy (PCA 110, FLD 110) (2 credits)
Students acquire a firm grasp of basic computer applications and information literacy skills, including the basic functions of word-processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentations, and research strategies. In addition, students develop basic computer literacy skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and gain general familiarity with navigating the e-environment.
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Earth Science (ESC 110) (4 credits)
Students study natural phenomena that structure the environment of the earth such as solar energy and the seasons, the rate of rotation of the globe, the atmosphere and global temperatures. They explore the interaction of physical geography and environmental change, the effect of climate on culture, and the relations between natural ecosystems and human population growth and distribution. In the lab component, students trace the development of modern cartography and learn various forms of mapping: scales, projections, symbols (points, areas, lines); the concepts of latitude and longitude, and practice mapping urban environments (focused on New York). Laboratory experience also includes field trips to museums and geographic excursions.
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Understanding Self in the World (HUM 110) (4 credits)
This self-assessment course requires students to question their identity from perspectives of world religion, literature, art, philosophy, and psychology. Course lectures are supplemented by field trips to museums and art galleries.
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Semester 2

Reading and Writing across the Disciplines: Mathematics, Social Sciences, & Natural Sciences (ENG 120) (3 credits)
Students learn different approaches and strategies to reading and writing academic prose in the humanities, mathematics, the social sciences and the natural sciences. They will demonstrate this ability through research, planning, and writing a formal research paper in one or more of the academic disciplines.
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Latin for Writers (LAT 120) (3 credits)
Through careful reading, translation, and analysis of Latin sentences, students learn to analyze and describe a sentence as a structure of logical relationships and to effectively monitor their use of the written word. They further study the influence of Latin on the development of English vocabulary, Roman history and the influence of Roman culture on the development of Western literacy and civilization.
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Constructive Action Practicum: Self-Assessment through Writing and Technology (PCA 120, FLD 120) (3 credits)
Students learn to use writing and the resources of the World Wide Web for assessing their own strengths and weaknesses. On the basis of this assessment, they make a plan for improvement.
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Human Biology and the Life Sciences (BIO 120) (3 credits)
This course presents human biology as a life science and covers health issues. Students learn how systems fail and what kinds of medical interventions can be successful. Current issues in the life sciences, including common human diseases, genetic engineering, stem cell research and the impact of humans on the planet's ecosystems are explored.
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The Human Experience and Cooperation (SSC 120) (4 credits)
What is the role of drama in the formation of cooperative social organizations? A comprehensive look at drama in myth and ritual throughout man’s social evolution. Particular emphasis is given to death-and-rebirth cycles and how these are celebrated through music, dance and communal art forms. The impact of today's theater on social consciousness is explored.
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Semester 3

Writing through Literature and Philosophy (ENG 230) (3 credits)
While reading through a wide variety of literary and philosophical sources, students reflect upon their own educational experiences and develop their own theories about teaching and learning. Students submit different forms of exposition (narrative, description, analysis, comparison, and argument) in three-stages: pre-writing, drafting, and revision in a bi-weekly “writing workshop” class.
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Linguistics for Writers (LIN 230) (3 credits)
This course covers written English from a linguistic perspective. Students learn the structure and use of English sentences on the written page: the tense structure of American English, and the small cohesive devices of writers. Students learn about the social appropriateness of different kinds of writing. The course includes lectures, discussions of readings, analysis activities, presentations and language exercises.
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Constructive Action Practicum: Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution (PCA 230, FLD 230) (3 credits)
In this Constructive Action Practicum, students understand the cycle of conflict, learn to turn conflict into cooperation, develop an awareness of personal attitudes in conflict situations, and master the critical elements of effective interpersonal communication such as active listening, detecting hidden agendas, and practicing win-win negotiations.
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Math I: Quantitative Reasoning (MTH 230) (3 credits)
Topics are drawn from a wide range of applied mathematics, with particular emphasis on applications that bridge multiple disciplines and everyday life. The course enriches the usefulness of mathematics, and provides opportunities for students to increase their confidence and facility in using quantitative reasoning.
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Historical Values, Systems, & Skills (HIS 230) (4 credits)
This course examines the tension between subjectivity vs. objectivity in the study of history. Students will read religious and mythical narratives for traces of actual events they contain, and consider temporal symbols of the supernatural. Students consider the contrast between two ancient Greek historians: Herodotus, the "father of history", and Thucydides, the precursor of historical objectivism.
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Semester 4

Language and Culture (ANT 240) (3 credits)
Students study the interconnection of language and culture in the multicultural and global age. This course focuses on the nexus of language, communication, and culture. Students develop knowledge, skills, and sensitivity necessary for effective cross-cultural communication. The course covers such topics as culture and conflict, verbal processes for speaking across cultures, gender-based language differences, and peace as an ethic for cross-cultural communication.
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Urban Health and Ecology (URB 240) (3 credits)
Using an interdisciplinary approach, students examine the interface between health and environment in the urban setting. Students examine the ecology of urban environments, environmental hazards such as lead and waste sites, and illnesses resulting from toxic exposure such as asthma and lead poisoning. In addition, students investigate current efforts to improve the quality of life and health for citizens living in urban settings.
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Constructive Action Practicum: Communicating across Cultures (PCA 240, FLD 240) (3 credits)
Students complete an ethnography of communication project in which they demonstrate their ability to interact with a diverse society. Students study an ethnic community different from their own, in direct contact with the citizens of the community. In the first part of the course, students acquire a theoretical background in the ethnography of communication and learn specific skills for planning, conducting and assessing an ethnographic interview. In the second part of the course they carry out the plan and assess the results.
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Math II: Introductory Data Analysis (MTH 240) (3 credits)
Today's global and technologically oriented economy requires well-developed quantitative skills. This course fosters proficiency in the content, methods, and strategies of higher-level quantitative analysis. Students are introduced to the practical methodology and underlying concepts of data analysis. Topics covered include exploratory vs. confirmatory statistics; summary measures and distributions of single variables; bi-variable statistical analysis and relationships between variables; discovering patterns and structure in data; and re-expression of data.
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Political Values, Systems, & Skills (PSC 240) (4 credits)
Students enrich their understanding of contemporary political issues and develop their ability to read, write, and talk about their own political ideals. The first two-thirds of the semester students read short selections from the writings of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Smith, Marx, Mill, Douglass, and de Beauvoir. These theoretical studies are followed by a month-long comparison of the political systems of the United States and another country. In-class discussions, debates, and term papers encourage students to take a stand on political values and communicate that stance clearly, knowledgeably, and imaginatively.
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Semester 5

Understanding Poetry, Drama, & Film (LIT 350) (3 credits)
Few writers have influenced the world of ideas more than William Shakespeare. This course studies the poetry of Shakespeare's plays. Students learn to read and appreciate Shakespeare's language and look for popular expressions which originated with the playwright. Students view some of the modern adaptations of Shakespeare's plays on film such as Romeo and Juliet and Othello, and compare these modern film versions with the original plays.
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Everyday Life in Urban Settings I (URB 350) (4 credits)
This course is a two-semester sequence examining the complex interaction of neighborhoods and individuals. It focuses on three institutions: family, school, and the subcultures of various groups - especially the "society" of youth. This sequence extends the study of urban history and politics on both macro- and microeconomic levels, including aspects of the Criminal Justice system. Students consider differences between scholarly knowledge and the influence of family and peers.
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Constructive Action Practicum: Empowerment through the Arts (PCA 350, FLD 350) (3 credits)
For this Constructive Action Practicum, "Art" is broadly defined as an activity involving imagination and creativity. Various modalities are explored: literature and writing, visual art, music, dance, and performance art. In this practicum, students are supervised by a field professional and complete internships which benefit the community. Preferred internships for this semester are at homes for the elderly, public and private schools, day care centers, and centers of vocational rehabilitation.
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Math III: Introduction to Statistical Research (MTH 350) (2 credits)
This course examines statistics within its social and historical contexts; how statistical analysis makes social inquiry more objective and scientific. Students learn the historical development and the philosophy of statistics, the use (and reuse) of official statistics by the state, common ways statistics are used in research, and the use of statistics for social critique. Students learn to identify subjective ideology embedded in purportedly scientific arguments, while exploring the use of statistics in understanding social conditions, theory, and practice.
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Economic Values, Systems and Skills (ECO 350) (4 credits)
This course introduces students to economic reasoning and the basic economic concepts and theories used in micro- and macroeconomics. Students apply these theories in analysis of contemporary economic issues such as growth and economic cycles, prices, inflation, and unemployment. Economic techniques, including graphing and marginal analysis, are introduced and applied to practical issues of everyday life.
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Semester 6

Public Speaking and the Art of Persuasion (SPE 360) (4 credits)
Public speaking is an essential skill of leadership. Students are introduced to the tradition of public speaking and persuasion techniques. Through readings and other activities, students improve public speaking and critical thinking skills. This course emphasizes analysis, reasoning, organization, and presentation of evidence.
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Everyday Life in Urban Settings II (URB 360) (4 credits)
This course is a two-semester sequence examining the complex interaction of neighborhoods and individuals. It focuses on three institutions: family, school, and the subcultures of various groups, especially the "society" of youth. This sequence extends the study of urban history and politics on both macro- and microeconomic levels, including aspects of the Criminal Justice system. Students consider differences between scholarly knowledge and the influence of family and peers.
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Constructive Action Practicum: Civic Engagement (PCA 360, FLD 360) (4 credits)
Students are introduced to the political challenges of urban governance. New York City provides one of the world's most fascinating contexts for studying public policy, conflict management, and the quest for social justice. Students undertake a Constructive Action in some aspect of civic life. Field work (internships or actual jobs) settings include libraries, law offices, museums, city hall, NGOs, politicians' offices, schools, courtrooms, the U.N., police precincts, press rooms, and television studios.
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American Economic History I (ECO 360) (4 credits)
This course examines the history of the development of the United States into a modern industrial capitalist society. Political and cultural dimensions are explored, with a focus on global and domestic influences that shaped the economic system. Topics include class, race and gender, international trade, immigration and slave trade, technological change, and war.
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Semester 7

Creative Writing (ENG 470) (4 credits)
Students explore the possibilities of language by completing a one-act play. In the first part of this course, the student chooses what to write and is allowed free expression of creativity without restriction. Students are encouraged to work through creative blocks to find deeper, more honest elements of their creativity. As the course proceeds, students learn the difference between free expression and artistic creation and apply formal structure to their play. Through reading published plays, students explore various playwriting techniques.
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American Urban Politics (PSC 470) (4 credits)
This one-semester course delineates elements of urban politics such as international affairs and national and state politics. Students learn the relationships between various levels of government and political power. Participation as both citizen and professional in community life are considered in regard to the dynamics of city politics. New York City politics are compared with the politics of other cities (which, in various ways, have adopted different models of governance) such as Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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Constructive Action Practicum A: Assessing the Needs of Urban Communities (PCA 470, FLD 470) (4 credits)
The Constructive Action Practicum for semesters 7 and 8 is a two-semester capstone seminar (8 credits) in the planning/assessment and planning/implementation of a Constructive Action. Students address urban problems using basic research methodology. They distinguish between quantitative and qualitative approaches ranging from research design, data collection and sampling, and statistical result interpretation. Students review literature, write results, and understand data. Hands-on basic statistics analysis with Excel and SPSS is included.

Students understand different measurement models, their selection, and use them in their own research. They study theory and application of basic statistical concepts and how they affect designs of research, integrated with application of computer statistical programs. They also learn the language used in the field of urban research. Students develop a research hypothesis at their internship or job, develop a questionnaire or other survey instrument, create a plan of action based on survey results, implement the plan, and assess the results.

American Economic History II (ECO 470) (4 credits)
This course examines corporate power and the concentrated political influence of interest groups. Topics covered include monopoly, and effects such as price fixing. Significant labor reform movements of the first two decades of the 20 century are studied, including radical responses to the domination of capital, mass striking, and the rise of social political parties. Students explore other social and economic events in regard to the African-American experience from this period, and the writings of African-American intellectuals Booker T. Washington and WEB Du Bois.
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Semester 8

Music, Religion and Philosophy (HUM 480) (4 credits)
This course places music in the context of social systems which produce it, concentrating on the use of music in the life of cities. After an introductory session on ancient music and music theory (Pythagoras and Plato), students examine the elements of music: rhythm, melody and harmony. The focus of this course is on public use of music in the modern period: Beethoven's "revolutionary" symphonies; concert halls and opera houses; the role of music in nationalism and cultural definition; Wagner's "total work of art" and his musical utopia, the Bayreuth Festival; blues and jazz as alternatives to the European mainstream; and rock, disco and hip hop. Each class session begins with a musical selection, which is discussed from historical and musicological perspectives, including an examination of the score.
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American Urban Culture (SSC 480) (4 credits)
The fourth core of the Urban Studies major is a one semester course which addresses urban culture in two dimensions: forms of artistic representation, especially literature, music, visual arts, such as film, television, painting, sculpture and architecture; and forms of intellectual and ideological representation. The latter includes an examination of cultural concepts such as modernism and postmodernism, and race, gender and ethnicity in aesthetic forms, and cultural studies. This course includes class and individual visits to museums, plays and films, walking architectural tours; and class demonstrations in records, visual representations of artistic works, and guest lectures by practitioners in the arts and cultural criticism.
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Constructive Action Practicum B: Planning and Managing Urban Change (PCA 480, FLD 480) (4 credits)
The Constructive Action Practicum for semesters 7 and 8 is a two-semester capstone seminar (8 credits) in the planning/assessment and planning/implementation of a Constructive Action. Students address urban problems using basic research methodology. They distinguish between quantitative and qualitative approaches ranging from research design, data collection and sampling, and statistical result interpretation. Students review literature, write results, and understand data. Hands-on basic statistics analysis with Excel and SPSS is included.

Students will demonstrate all 9 Dimension Specific Abilities in the two-semester capstone Constructive Action.
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Contemporary Urban Issues (URB 480) (4 credits)
This course serves as a forum for the study and discussion of contemporary urban issues. Topics include the influence of hip-hop culture, the impact of hispanic immigration on the transformation of American cities, ecological activism, urban revitalization, and the "greening of the ghetto".
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