SYLLABUS FOR URBAN ECONOMICS

 

Term:  Summer 2006 (2005-3)

Course Number: ECN 440 Directed Study

Instructor: Mr. George Grzesiowski MBA/CPA

                   Assistant Professor in Accounting and Management

Office:  516

Office Phone: 219-473-4283

E-mail:            ggrzesiowski@ccsj.edu

Home Phone: 219-362-1696

Home E-mail:  grzz@csinet.net

Cell:  219-716-5002

 

Office Hours: 

By appointment

 

Course Time:  Independent Study

 

Course Description: This course examines the evolution and function of cities as well as an analysis of the causes and symptoms of the Urban predicament.  It includes numerous topics concerning metropolitan areas, economic development strategies, land use patterns, mass transit, poverty, housing, finance, education, and environmental quality.

 

Prerequisites:  ECN 210 and 211

 

Learning Outcomes/ Competencies:

Students in this course will:

  1. Understand why cities exist.
  2. Examine the causes of urban economic growth.
  3. Describe land rent, land use patterns and zoning and growth controls.
  4. Identify urban transportation needs.
  5. Measure and understand the nature of urban crime.
  6. Review urban housing policy.
  7. Understand the role of local government.
  8. Demonstrate competency by preparing a research report in urban economics

 

Textbooks:      Urban Economics, O’Sullivan, A., , 6th ed. Irwin, McGraw Hill, 2007.

                       

 

Assessment:                           

            Applying the Concepts                                                40% of grade

Research Paper                                                            40% of grade

Articles                                                            20% of grade

                                                                                    100%

 

Grading Scale:

 

A: 92-100         A-: 90-91        B+:  88-89     B: 82-87         B-:  80-81    C+: 78-79

C: 72-77           C-: 70-71        D+:  68-69     D: 62-67         D-:  60-61    F:  59 & below

 

 

Assignments:

 

Applying the Concepts:

After each chapter (beginning with chapter 2) answer the questions listed under Applying the Concepts.  All answers must be typed, double-spaced using 12 point font and New Times Roman.

 

Articles

Submit five articles concerning urban topics with a typed one page summary of the articles key points.   All summaries must be typed, double-spaced using 12 point font and New Times Roman.

 

Research Paper: 

Find and develop a research paper on an urban concern (examples: mass transit, urban crime, land use, etc.).  APA guidelines must be followed for the research paper.  The paper should be approximately eight pages in length excluding title page, reference page and attachments if any.

 

Student Responsibilities:

Submit work on a predetermined schedule.

 

Center for Academic Excellence:

Tutoring assistance is free to all students of Calumet College of St. Joseph. Call the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), to make an appointment at 473-4287. The Center has experienced and well-trained tutors in most subject areas to help students who are struggling in a course or who are doing well and would like to do better. Regular weekly tutoring sessions are likely to improve your grade.

 

Statement of Plagiarism:

If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances.

 

Please note: Calumet College of St. Joseph subscribes to Turnitin.com and all papers can and may be submitted for checks on plagiarism from the Internet/Electronic sources/Databases.

 

Citation Guidelines:

Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as prescribed by the particular discipline (i.e., MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian.).  All of these guidelines are available in the Calumet College of St. Joseph library or bookstore.  These texts outline how to cite references from a variety of sources, including electronic media.

 

Withdrawal from Classes Policy:

After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. The Registrar must receive written request for withdrawal by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed.

 

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule).

 

 

 

Course Outline:

Week               Dates:                          Topics/Assignments:

 

1                      6/12                             Chapter 1:  Introduction

                                                            Chapter 2:  Why do Cities Exist

                                                            Chapter 3:  Why do Firms Cluster?

                                                            Chapter 2 & 3 Applying the Concepts

 

2                      6/19                             Chapter 4:  City Size

                                                            Chapter 5:  Urban Growth

                                                            Chapter 6:  Urban Land Rent

                                                            Chapter 4, 5, 6 Applying the Concepts

 

3                      6/26                             Chapter 7:  Land-Use Patterns

                                                            Chapter 8:  Neighborhood Choice

                                                            Chapter 9:  Zoning and Growth Controls

                                                            Chapter 7, 8, 9 Applying the Concepts

 

4                      7/3                               Chapter 10:  Externalities from Autos

                                                            Chapter 11:  Mass Transit

                                                            Chapter 10,11 Applying the Concepts

 

5                      7/10                             Chapter 12:  Crime

                                                            Chapter 13:  Why is Housing Different?

                                                            Chapter 14:  Housing Policy

                                                            Chapter 12, 13, 14 Applying the Concepts

 

6                      7/17                             Chapter 15:  The Role of Local Government

                                                            Chapter 16:  Local Government Revenue

                                                            Chapter 15, 16 Applying the Concepts

 

7.                     7/24                             Research Paper due (due by 7/28)