POL 453 Urban Politics
A study of the politics of cities, towns, and their communities. Students investigate issues facing modern towns and cities, including crime, public education, aging infrastructures, gentrification, racial segregation, immigration, and poverty. A global study of cities also explores the way cities are designed across the world, including city layouts and the use of sidewalks, parks, streets, and other public spaces. These public spaces and their geography, political culture, and economic diversity are closely examined. Finally, the class Investigates just how much influence our politicians and citizens have on the very cities they live in.