Spring, 2020
Class hour: Monday & Thursday 11:10 a.m.--12:25 p.m.
Class location: HN1004
Professor: Hongmian Gong
Office and phone: HN1050, 212-772-4658
Office hours: Thursday 2:30—3:30 p.m., or by appointment.
Email: gong@hunter.cuny.edu
Web page: http://www.geography.hunter.cuny.edu/~hgong
Department office and phone: HN1006, 212-772-5265
Course Description and Learning Outcomes
This course focuses on spatial analysis of contemporary and theoretical issues concerning the economic growth, transportation, land use, globalization and technological impacts, social segregation, and urban governance in metropolitan areas. We will discuss a topic each week, reading and responding to articles that link a contemporary urban issue to new and traditional urban geographic theories. Emphasis will be placed on the urban experience of developed countries, especially the U.S., although urban issues in developing countries will also be briefly discussed.
Students will be exposed to some theoretical frameworks, approaches, and methodologies used in urban geographical studies. They are expected to learn the types and aspects of urban geographical research from the examples provided and discussed in the course. They will be guided to conduct an urban geographical study of their own and present it in the research paper format.
Prerequisite
GEOG 243 for GEOG 343; Permission of department for GEOG 743/EES781
Textbooks and Readings
No required textbook for this course. Optional textbook: Kaplan, Wheeler, and
Holloway, Urban Geography. Wiley, 3rd edition, 2014.
ISBN: 978-1-118-57385-3.
Reading assignments will be given out in Blackboard throughout the semester.
Course Evaluation
Grade will be based on the following Criteria.
|
Class participations |
50% |
|
Leading class discussion |
10% |
|
Research paper and presentation |
40% |
1. Each student is required to do an urban-related research paper. Undergraduate students are expected to hand in a 8-page (double spaced) paper and graduate students a 12-page (double spaced) paper. A late paper will be marked down by 10% each day.
2. Class
attendance is mandatory. Students are responsible for obtaining any
information presented in class during an absence.
3. The only
students who will be eligible for CR/NC at the end of the semester are those who
have completed all course requirements.
4. No incomplete (IN) is given as a grade unless it is under the most extraordinary, and documented, circumstances. To request IN as a grade, you must contact the instructor by May 14 and complete a Contract to Resolve Incomplete Grades.
Tentative Class Schedule
Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: Cities in information age
Week 3: Telecommunications and urban mobility
Week 4: Telecommuting
Week 5: GPS/GIS for urban transportation
Week 6: Neighborhoods and social capital
Week 7: Intraurban analyses
Week 8: Spatial mismatch
Week 9: Knowledge-based services
Week 10: Growth of temporary help services
Week 11: Globalization and financial Services
Week 12: Urban Housing Markets
Week 13: Urbanization in developing countries
Week 14: Presentation
Week 15: Research paper due on Blackboard
Notes on Schedule
January 27 (Monday): First class for this course.
February 17 (Monday): College closed for Presidents’ Day, no
class.
April 1: Last day to drop the class with the grade of "W".
April 8 to 16: Spring Recess, no class.
May 14 (Thursday): Last class for this course.
How to Use Blackboard to Access Your Grades and Course Information
1. Follow instructions on http://bb.hunter.cuny.edu to access Blackboard;
2. To view your grades, click My Grades, and then click Urban Geographic Theory;
3. To access course announcements, click Urban Geographic Theory, and then click Announcements on the left.
4. To access course documents, click Urban Geographic Theory, and then click Course Information on the left.
5. When you are done, click “Logout” at the top to exit your
account, and then close the Internet browser.
Email Policy
Students should check the Announcements section in Blackboard and the course syllabus before emailing the instructor. Content of the emails is limited to what has not been covered and cannot be covered in class or during office hours. Emails are generally replied within one business day and no later than two business days. Remember to include the course title in the subject line and sign your full name as it appears in CUNYFirst.
Hunter College Policy on Academic Integrity
Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.
ADA Policy
In compliance with the American Disability
Act of 1990 (ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter
College is committed to ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all
students with documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. It is
recommended that all students with documented disabilities (Emotional, Medical,
Physical, and/or Learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY, located in Room
E1214B, to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information
and assistance, please call: (212) 772- 4857 or (212) 650-3230.
Hunter College Policy on Sexual Misconduct
In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual
Misconduct, Hunter College affirms the prohibition of any sexual misconduct,
which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment
retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain
intimate relationship. Students who have experienced any form of sexual
violence on or off campus (including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are
entitled to the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights for Hunter College.
a.
Sexual Violence:
Students are strongly encouraged to immediately report the incident by calling
911, contacting NYPD Special Victims Division Hotline (646-610-7272) or their
local police precinct, on contacting the College’s Public Safety Office
(212-772-4444)
b.
All Other Forms
of Sexual Misconduct: Students are also encouraged to contact the College’s
Title IX Campus Coordinator, Dean John Rose (jtrose@hunter.cuny.edu or
212-650-3262) of Colleen Barry (colleen.barr7@hunter.cuny.edu
or 212-772-4534) and seek complimentary services through the Counseling and
Wellness Services Office, Hunter East 1123.
CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct Link: http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/la/Policy-on-Sexual-Misconduct-12-1-14-with-links.pdf
Syllabus Change Policy
Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) criteria, this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice. Any changes made to the syllabus will be announced in class and/or posted in Blackboard under Announcements.