Urban Affairs (UAF)

This course is designed to provide insights into the occurrence of urbanization and focuses on the transformations of communities from rural to urban. Basic definitions of urban studies are introduced along with the nature of contemporary urban problems: historical and more recent involvements of governmental jurisdictions in urban problem solving; competitive recommendations for a national urban policy; and character and problems of current urban research activities.

This course is designed as an introductory course in data processing, as related to urban administration. The student will be made aware of the various usages of the computer in administrative decision making, conduction of research studies, and in-program evaluation. Advantages and disadvantages of the computer will be investigated, and different languages and canned programs will be introduced.

This is an interdisciplinary course combining perspectives from Urban Affairs, Public Health, and Sociology. The course will provide students with a framework for investigating urban health and how it is shaped by and impacts demographic forces such as race and class. The disparities in American and global cities which impact public health and the provision of health care will be examined. Urban health disparities on phenomena such as physical, mental, and social health, food security, transportation, and crime will be examined. The role of disenfranchised communities in creating healthy cities will be examined.

This course focuses upon the impact of urban problems in urban centers. It provides critical analyses of the nature of contemporary urban problems including opposing views and definitions of the "Urban Crisis" and attempts to distinguish specific "Urban Problems" from the more general social problems manifested mostly in urban areas. Special examinations will be made of significant research performed in order to analyze major urban issues.

This course provides practice in studying urban settlements with a view of understanding the relatively stable structures setting limits on community publication. The sociological, political, economic, and other commonly used models of "community power" and other structures are briefly studied, followed by a comparative analysis of surveys in different communities and areas. Emphasis is placed upon the structural design for relevant action by urban policy professionals.

This course explores the appropriate roles of urban executives and administrators in determining and realizing democratic goals and in fostering the values of responsible societies. Consideration will be given to executive managerial objectives, functions, means toward ends, organization and resources in achieving program objectives, the exercise of leadership, decision making, motivation, and management of conflict. Comparisons are drawn among administrative roles at different levels and in varying cultural environments.

This course involves a comparative review of, housing legislation, urban renewal, and related, community development among selected nations., Policy and program development is analyzed to, identify the bases of public support. Particular, attention is given to the social, economic, and, political forces directed toward the amelioration, of urban ills. Urban administrators are viewed as, both initiators and implementers of public policy,, in addition to being advocates and initiators of, new policies and programs.

An overview of urban processes through the utilization of general systems theory and the applied tools of systems analysis is explored. Critical review of major contemporary issues of the city as a system and an evaluation of the potentials of the most significant dimensions of policy making are dealt with. Developing skills in the critical evaluation of applied methodologies and program formulation and assisting in the determination of organizational effectiveness are also major considerations.

Each student in the Urban Affairs program, who has not had or is not presently involved in related work experience, is expected to expend a designated period of time in field placement at a government or private industry or service agency. The purpose is to provide or continue practical experience, to test academic models, to participate in inter-group experiences, and to develop skills related to the day-to-day agency functions in the delivery of human services.

Contact the department for specific course information.

Contact the department for specific course information.

This course focuses on the research design method of data collection and problems of measurement.

This course focuses on data reduction, analysis, interpretation, application, and utilization of data.

Thesis research is an individual research project and is required of all students for graduation. It is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study empirical or historical social problems and their impact on urban living. The thesis process requires students' developing both a problem statement and a research design, analyzing and summarizing numerical data, and reaching a justifiable conclusion. Policy implications/recommendations are also expected.

Continuous registration is required for all degree-seeking graduate students.

This course is required for all students taking the comprehensive examination. Students should register for this course the semester they intend to sit for the comprehensive examination.