Academics
Spring 2012 Course Schedule & Descriptions
General Education Courses:
URBS306 Urban Issues and Ethical Choices
(3 Credits)
Thursdays 4:30-7:30 PM
Ryan Gladwin
This course studies ethical interpretations of and responses to global urban conditions caused by economic impoverishment, political disenfranchisement, and social and cultural marginalization. Special attention is dedicated to questions concerning the formation of Christian ethics and community as well as individual and communal obligations to confront realties of systemic injustice in the urban setting. The City of Philadelphia is used as a context from which to reflect on challenges such as poverty, racism, economic development, geopolitics, environmental policy, public health, education, housing, criminal justice, and welfare reform. [Satisfies the General Education requirement in "Engaging the Pluralistic World "].
IDST300 Eco-Urban Footprints of Post Metropolis Life: Examining Natural and Social Ecologies of Philadelphia (3 credits)
Wednesdays 4:30-7:30 PM
Freeman Miller
This course studies urban landscapes as hybrid phenomena that emerge from an integral relationship between human and ecological processes. Urban ecosystems of the Philadelphia metropolitan area are viewed as the outcome of complex interactions between socio-economic and bio-physical systems in which humans have been and continue to be the dominant agents of change. It is suggested that urban spatial patterns can be better understood by describing the unique relationship between land-use and land-cover as ecological footprints in post-metropolis landscapes. Students examine alternative development patterns within this urban landscape and assess and measure various effects on natural and social conditions within the neighborhoods of North-Central Philadelphia. Students will learn and use various techniques of analysis (including the use of Geographic Information Systems) in specific community-based research projects. Attention will be given to strategizing new forms of urban living that are conducive to ecological sustainability. [Satisfies the General Education requirement in "Science, Technology and the World."]
IDCC260 Philadelphia Urban Cross-Cultural
(1 Credit)
Wednesdays 2:00-2:50 PM
Ryan Gladwin, Meg Hoover, & Judy Walterson
This cross-cultural course deals with the theory and practice of navigating and interpreting the complex social context of the urban landscape with a special emphasis on North-Central Philadelphia. The city serves as an important setting for developing transferable skills in cross-cultural examination, understanding and practice. The course allows you to study in a culture other than your own, and will help you develop and refine skills in cross-cultural observation to better assimilate to your current culture and other cultures you will experience in the future. It employs North Philadelphia as text and context for studying larger multi-ethnic realities and dynamics within American society and the world at large. Thus, the city itself is engaged through participatory observation as a microcosm of these larger worlds [Satisfies the General Education Cross-Cultural requirement in place of a third language course].
Contextual Learning Courses:
URBS310 Urban Field Experience (3 Credits)
Wednesdays 2:00-2:50 PM
Ryan Gladwin, Meg Hoover, & Judy Walterson
This service-learning field experience course focuses on the urban setting. Students accomplish at least 90 hours of service work during the semester in a field placement, meet in a weekly seminar and complete assignments designed to integrate a student's academic interests, knowledge, and skills with field work. Please note that travel expenses to the field placement are the student's responsibility and may need to be considered before registering for this course.
INT291/391 Professional Development Experience (1-3 credits)
This practical work experience will provide sophomore (INT 291), juniors and seniors (INT 391) with a means to gain initial exposure to career-related work settings under the professional supervision of the Internship Center staff. This does not substitute for departmental practicum credit.
INT394 Internship and Monthly or Weekly Seminar (4-12 credits)
Mondays 4:30-6:00 PM
Ashley Jones
Internships represent a learning strategy that integrates practical work experience with a directed, reflective, academic component to help you develop personal, professional and academic competencies. You will be using the workplace as a starting point for study; however, you will need to go beyond the common experiences of an employee. Study, reasoning, reflection, theoretical and/or conceptual exploration supplement your work experience to help you develop new skills and knowledge. To register for an internship, contact the Internship Center.
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