GEOG 3UR3

Urban Residential Geography

Calendar Description

The social geography of North American cities. Topics include commuting, segregation, inner-city gentrification, suburban development.

One lecture (two hours), one seminar (two hours); one term
Prerequisite(s): GEO 2HD3 or GEOG 2UI3
 
 
Antirequisite(s): GEO 3HZ3

 

Time/Term Offered: Term One Fall 2011-12

Instructor: Dr. Richard Harris
Room: General Science Building Rm. 216
Tel:(905) 525.9149 x27216
Email: harrisr@mcmaster.ca
Office hours: TBA or by appointment

Teaching Assistant:
Jenna Roberts (BSB 338; ext. 20441; roberj9@mcmaster.ca)
Amy Shanks (BSB 338; ext. 20441; shanksa@mcmaster.ca)

 

Course Outline (Formerly GEO 3HZ3) Avenue to Learn

Introduction:

This course asks you to think about where different types of people live within urban areas, why, and with what consequences. The emphasis is on Canadian and U.S. metropolitan areas, with particular reference to Hamilton.

Purposes
(i) To present and discuss the tools that researchers have developed in order to understand the residential geography of cities
(ii) To indicate and debate how this residential geography matters for our everyday lives
(iii) To encourage you to think critically about the diverse, relevant sources of information on the subject.


Instruction
This course consists of both lectures and tutorials. Each week, students are expected to attend lectures, which will emphasize general concepts, issues, and questions. Tutorials will be used for a variety of purposes, including discussion of readings, as well as preparation for (and handing back) class assignments. Lecture notes will not usually be available in advance on Avenue to Learn.


Lecture/Labs:

Lecture Hours:  T, Th. 2:30 – 3:20 p.m.   Location: BSB B136

Labs – BSB 122.  I. Tues. 8:30-10:20;  II Thurs. 8:30-10:20;  III Wed. 2:30-4:20; BSB 238.  IV Fr. 8:30-10:20

NOTE: Some rescheduling of tutorials may occur. Look for announcements in class and in tutorials. Changes will be posted on Avenue to Learn.

                                                

Required Text Books/Course materials:

There is no conventional textbook or course pack for this course. A list of required readings, most of which are available online, will be handed out separately. Some short items are on reserve or in the reference collection in Mills library. Students are also required to read, and write a review of, Robert Bruegmann, Sprawl. A Compact History. Inexpensive copies are available in the bookstore.

 

Evaluation:

For this course you will be evaluated on the basis of two major and two mini-assignments, and a final examination. The weights of these, and important dates, are as follows.

                                                                         Date                    Weight

Assignment # 1 Simulating segregation                      Oct. 25                 25%
Assignment # 2 Sprawl (Bruegmann)                         Nov.22                  25%
                                                                  Assignments are due in lecture
Midterm                                                                Oct. 11               20%
Final exam                                                                  Exam period    30%

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

  • Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.

  • Improper collaboration in group work.

  • Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/Students-AcademicStudies/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.