CP 4010: Foundations of Urban and Regional Development
Course Syllabus
Spring 2003
Purpose of the Course:
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the important factors that influence urban and regional development in the United States , particularly in the Southeast. These factors will include economic, political, sociological, physical and geographical perspectives. The course will emphasize a theoretical perspective on economic issues and it will examine recent development trends in urban areas.
Objective of the Course:
The objective of this course is to explain why cities exist, where they develop, how they grow, and how different activities are arranged within the urban environment. In order to meet this objective, this course is presented in six parts:
I. Market Forces in the Development of Cities
II. Land Rent and Land Use Patterns
III. Urban Transportation
IV. Urban Problems
V. Housing
VI. Local Government
Required Work:
In order to meet the objective of this course, students will be required to participate in class discussion and to spend a significant amount of study outside of the classroom. In-class participation, on a daily basis, will be monitored and students will be graded accordingly. Frequent absences will negatively impact a student's final grade in the course.
All coursework is expected to be turned in on time in order for the topics to be discussed openly in a timely manner. Any work that is turned in late will receive a ten percent (10%) reduced credit for each school day that the assignment is late. All coursework is expected to be presented in a professional manner utilizing all communication skills necessary to present a complete and polished assignment. Students are expected to pay particular attention to organization, presentation, correctness of grammar and spelling and absence of typographical errors. Plagiarism and other forms of violations of the Georgia Tech Honor Code will not be tolerated. The Georgia Tech Honor Code is in effect throughout the course. Please review and understand this code .
There will be no tests during the semester. However, two examinations will be given: a mid-term examination that will focus on the material presented during the first half of the semester, and a final examination which will be a comprehensive in-class examination that has been prepared in a manner for the student to exhibit his/her knowledge of the course material. Exams will be closed book. Calculators are permitted. The use of handheld, laptop or other computers and similar technology will not be permitted during the exams.
Four homework assignments will be given during the semester. Assignments will be made in class and will be due on week from the day assigned. Work will consist of problems from the text and/or work assignments developed by the instructor.
Course Materials:
Recommended Text: O'Sullivan, Arthur, Urban Economics. McGraw-Hill Irwin, 5 th Edition or later.
This text is available in the Georgia Tech Bookstore. Additional readings will be made available in the Architecture Library.
Evaluation Procedure:
1. Class Participation/Attendance 10%
2. Homework Assignments 20%
3. Mid-Term Exam 35%
4. Term Project 35%
Grading:
It is important that each student have a full understanding of the grading process for this course. Each student will be responsible for judging his/her own performance during the semester.
Class participation and attendance are important because it is my firm belief that the learning process is a bilateral activity. Although the course will be presented in a lecture format, students are expected to ask questions, provide examples, initiate discussions and offer alternative perspectives throughout the semester. Students are expected to attend class and attendance will be taken at selected times. Students will be evaluated according to their attendance and contribution to the class.
Homework assignments will be scored between zero (lowest score) and ten (highest score). Homework will not be accepted beyond the due date unless approval is given by the instructor.
The Mid-Term Exam grades will be based on one-hundred point scale as follows:
Scoring Grade
90%-100% A
80%-89% B
70%-79% C
60%-69% D
Below 60% F
Adjustments to the scale may be made if the instructor deems it necessary. Any adjustments made will be to the students' benefit.
Make-up examinations are to be avoided whenever possible. The instructor shall assign a grade of "F" on any examination missed by the student, unless unavoidable circumstances occur and the student notifies the instructor in advance that he/she will not be able to take the examination. If the instructor approves a make-up exam, the student is responsible for arranging the make-up exam with the instructor.